Philippines is not provoking conflict in South China Sea, its military says
MANILA, Dec 26 (Reuters) - The Philippines is not provoking conflict in the South China Sea, its military spokesperson said on Tuesday, responding to China's accusation that Manila was encroaching on Beijing's territory.
It was the latest salvo amid rising tension as the two have traded accusations in recent months over a series of maritime run-ins, including China allegedly ramming a ship this month carrying the Philippines' military chief.
"The Philippines is not provoking conflict," Medel Aguilar told state broadcaster PTV.