As tensions escalated over the contested West Philippine Sea, the military vehemently rejected claims made by China that the Philippines has been provoking conflict in the region.

Col. Medel Aguilar, spokesperson for the Armed Forces of the Philippines, addressed the allegations presented in the People’s Daily, the official publication of the Communist Party of China.

Aguilar insisted that the accusations were baseless and inaccurate, specifically refuting the claim that the Philippines was acting provocatively due to assured support from the United States.

“We did not start the conflict, we merely follow international law, and we are implementing our domestic law. This means the extent of our territorial waters, the extent of our exclusive economic zone (EEZ), where we have sovereign rights and jurisdiction,” Aguilar told a televised interview on the state-run PTV on Tuesday (December 26).

Aguilar stressed that it was, in fact, China that had been engaging in perilous maneuvers in the West Philippine Sea. He pointed to the continuous harassment by the Chinese Coast Guard directed at Filipino vessels and seafarers, thus, posing significant risks to their lives and safety.

Aguilar underscored the Philippines' commitment to upholding international laws and regulations, citing the nation's adherence to both international maritime laws and domestic legislation governing the limitations of Philippine territorial waters and the exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

The AFP's response comes in the wake of assertions made by People’s Daily that the actions of the Philippines were "extremely dangerous" and posed a threat to regional peace and stability.

China's claims aimed at portraying the Philippines as the aggressor in the ongoing tensions over the disputed territories in the West Philippine Sea have been met with strong denial from the Philippine military.

Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro said proof to this is the fact that no country has sided with China’s position in relation to the behavior of the two countries in the contested WPS or South China Sea.

The dispute in the West Philippine Sea has been a longstanding issue, with multiple nations, including China, the Philippines, and other Southeast Asian countries, asserting overlapping territorial claims in the resource-rich waters.

The Philippines has consistently advocated for peaceful resolutions to these disputes through diplomatic dialogue and adherence to international law. However, the persistent incursions and aggressive actions by China in the region have intensified tensions and raised concerns about the potential for further escalation.

The AFP's firm rebuttal of China's accusations signifies the Philippines' determination to assert its position and defend its actions within the boundaries of established legal frameworks despite the escalating tensions in the region.