A Philippine Coast Guard ship is seen surrounded by Chinese maritime militia vessels and a Chinese Coast Guard ship during a resupply mission for Filipino troops stationed at a grounded warship in the East Vietnam Sea, October 4, 2023. Photo: Reuters
The remarks came a day after Beijing and Manila traded accusations following a confrontation between two of their vessels in contested waters of the East Vietnam Sea.
It was legitimate for China to take necessary measures, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning told a daily press conference on Friday, defending the Chinese coast guard's response to the Philippine ships.
The China Coast Guard on Thursday said it took "control measures" against Philippine ships and confirmed a collision occurred between the two sides' vessels.
The U.S. ambassador to Manila, MaryKay Carlson, described China's actions as aggressive and, in a post on X on Thursday, said they "recklessly endangered lives and threaten regional stability."
Coast guard vessels from the Philippines and the U.S. took part for the first time in joint maritime exercises with naval and air force units in the contested East Vietnam Sea earlier this week.
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