Beijing’s ominous warning to ‘certain countries’ amid South China Sea tensions

Beijing has issued a warning to “certain countries that infringe upon its rights” amid soaring tensions in the South China Sea.

Beijing has issued a fresh warning to “certain countries” amid soaring tensions in the South China Sea.

China claims swathes of the sea and its oil-rich seabed and has long been embroiled in fierce territorial disputes with Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Taiwan, Vietnam and, most viciously, the Philippines.

Australia has been a staunch supporter of the Philippines as it pushes back against Chinese vessels violating its internationally recognised exclusive economic zone in the South China Sea, with Canberra joining defence drills and pledging to step up its naval presence.

An article published on Tuesday by Chinese state-controlled media said a conflict in the sea was “unlikely to occur in the near term” but added that “certain countries should not harbour any illusions, as China will respond decisively to actions that infringe upon its rights and claims”.

The article cited Wu Shicun, chairman of the pro-Chinese Communist Party (CCP) Huayang Research Centre for Maritime Co-operation and Ocean Governance.

Mr Wu accused the Philippines of “frequent provocations” at the Second Thomas Shoal, a flashpoint in the South China Sea.

“If the Philippines undertakes further provocative actions at Ren’ai Jiao (Second Thomas Shoal) in 2025, the possibility cannot be ruled out that China may take measures such as removing the Philippine military vessel that has been illegally ‘grounded’ there for decades,” Mr Wu said, as quoted by the Global Times.

Chinese vessels clash with Philippine ships. Picture: Handout / Armed Forces of the Philippines - Public Affairs office / AFP

Chinese vessels have been involved in numerous incidents with Philippine ships this year, including rammings and uses of water cannons.

Australia has repeatedly condemned the Chinese aggression.

Canberra has also advocated for freedom of navigation in the South China Sea and regularly sends warships through the maritime thoroughfare.

Though, it has not gone unnoticed over the years, with the Chinese military intercepting Australian naval vessels and aircraft navigating international waters and airspace in encounters decried as dangerous.