Xi Jinping has urged the Chinese military to prepare for a military confrontation amid tensions with the Philippines in the South China Sea.

President of China Xi JinpingThe nation's armed forces asked this Thursday to prepare Military conflicts at seaThe request comes shortly after Chinese and Philippine ships collided in disputed waters in the South China Sea.

The President pointed out that the purpose “Protection of Maritime Interests of the Nation and Development of Maritime Economy” China has also emphasized the importance of building a “cyberspace security system” and increasing the capabilities of a “national security network”.

That's what he spoke at the start of the annual session of China's National People's Congress, where he stressed the importance of launching “strategic capabilities in developing areas.”

On the same Thursday, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi gave the assurance China will continue to “legitimately” defend its rights in the South China Sea During a press conference within the framework of the plenary session. “Good faith should not be allowed to be abused by others. Violation of maritime laws cannot be accepted,'' he said.

“We will take reasonable steps to protect our rights under the law In the face of unnecessary provocationss. We are going to respond with reasonable and appropriate measures,” he said before clarifying that the Philippines and the US were responsible for the escalation of tensions in the region.

“Some countries outside the region should put aside provocations and stop causing more problems in the South China Sea,” Wang said.

Last Tuesday, the Philippines and China accused each other of a fresh clash between the two countries' coast guard vessels in a disputed area of ​​the South China Sea, adding to a series of incidents between the two countries' ships in recent months.

Since assuming the presidency last year Ferdinand Marcos JrThe Philippines, which reached out to China during Rodrigo Duterte's presidency (2016-2022), is seeking to strengthen its historic defense alliance with the United States, particularly in the face of increased harassment by Chinese ships.

In 2023, Manila and Washington agreed Access by North American troops to four bases in the country, Three of them are located in the north of the archipelago.

China and the Philippines are at loggerheads over the sovereignty of several islands and atolls in the South China Sea, which Beijing claims outright for “historical reasons”, and are disputed territories with Malaysia, Vietnam, Taiwan and Brunei.

These waters are a A strategic region through which one-third of world trade circulates It also has important fisheries and energy resources.

(With information from EFE and EuropaPress)