In response to US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's recent remarks, China has called on the United States to refrain from "stirring up trouble" or taking sides on the South China Sea issue. Blinken had stated that the US security commitment with the Philippines extends to attacks on the Philippine coast guard, which China firmly opposes.

The Chinese embassy in the Philippines issued a statement on Wednesday emphasizing that their activities in the South China Sea are "legitimate and lawful." They accused Blinken of ignoring the facts and baselessly accusing China. Furthermore, the statement expressed China's strong opposition to Blinken's references to the US-Philippine Mutual Defense Treaty obligations.

Under the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty, the Philippines and the United States are bound to support each other in the event of an attack. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr had urged Washington last year to clarify the extent of the security commitment. Blinken stated on Tuesday that the treaty's provisions also cover armed attacks on the Philippine armed forces, public vessels and aircraft, as well as its coast guard.

China has consistently maintained that the United States threatens peace and stability in the South China Sea. They argue that the US holds no authority to intervene in maritime issues between China and the Philippines, as it is not a party to the territorial disputes. The Chinese embassy criticized the US, stating that while they claim to safeguard freedom of navigation in the region, their true intent is to guarantee the freedom of navigation for their warships. They viewed recent US naval activities near China's borders as an act of provocation and an attempt to display their military superiority.

The tensions in the South China Sea have sparked a wider international reaction, with various countries expressing concerns over China's assertive actions. The area holds strategic importance due to its rich natural resources and critical shipping lanes. China's territorial claims in the region, which overlap with those of other nations, have been a longstanding source of tension and disputes.

As the United States reinforces its security commitment to the Philippines, the situation in the South China Sea remains highly volatile. Efforts to find a peaceful resolution to the territorial disputes continue, but the recent statements from both China and the US highlight the ongoing challenges in the region.

It remains to be seen how the United States will respond to China's call to cease its alleged intervention and its support for its ally, the Philippines. The South China Sea issue continues to present a significant geopolitical challenge, with potential implications for regional stability and global trade.