South China Sea: Philippines says it is not provoking conflict, accuses China of ‘extremely dangerous’ behaviour

“They are the ones committing all the violations,” Aguilar said.

Tensions between Manila and Beijing have risen in recent months with both sides trading accusations over a series of maritime run-ins, including China allegedly ramming a ship this month carrying the Philippines’ military chief.

On Tuesday, the Chinese embassy in Manila said the Philippines is causing tensions by sending construction supplies to its grounded navy vessel in the Second Thomas Shoal.

“The Philippines, bolstered by external support, has brushed aside China’s goodwill and restraint and repeatedly challenged China’s principles and red line,” the embassy said, citing the Chinese foreign ministry.

The Philippines regularly deploys resupply missions for Filipino soldiers living aboard an ageing warship deliberately run aground in 1999 to protect Manila’s maritime claims.

Manila risks Beijing’s wrath with ‘non-starter’ South China Sea mini pact plan

Mainland China claims almost the entire South China Sea with its so-called nine-dash line that overlaps into the exclusive economic zones of rival claimants Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan, Vietnam.

A 2016 arbitral tribunal ruling invalidated China’s claim in the strategic waters, which Beijing did not recognise.