China rebukes Quad ministers over maritime criticism

World

China warns Quad ministers against provoking conflict

Philstar.com

May 28, 2026 | 8:20am

0

China warned on Wednesday that countries "forming cliques" and provoking conflict were "unpopular", after ministers from the United States, India, Japan and Australia raised concerns over stability in the East and South China Seas.

AFP / Julia Demaree Nikhinson / Pool

BEIJING, China — China warned on Wednesday that countries "forming cliques" and provoking conflict were "unpopular", after ministers from the United States, India, Japan and Australia raised concerns over stability in the East and South China Seas.

In clear but unstated references to China, foreign ministers from the so-called Quad grouping had criticised "dangerous manoeuvres by military aircraft" and "ramming and blocking actions in the South China Sea", as they met in New Delhi on Tuesday.

The ministers reiterated opposition to "destabilising or unilateral actions" that threaten stability in the region, in a joint statement following talks.

China, which views the Quad grouping with suspicion, rejected those concerns on Wednesday, warning against interference in its maritime affairs.

"At present, the situation in the East China Sea and South China Sea remains overall stable," foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning told a news briefing.

"Relevant countries should stop interfering in maritime issues around China and genuinely respect regional countries' efforts to safeguarding peace and stability," she said.

"Forming cliques, creating tension and provoking conflict are unpopular."

Beijing claims swathes of the strategic East and South China Seas, and has frequent disputes with the Philippines, Japan and others in the hotly contested waterways, which serve as vital shipping routes.

2 People Reacted

How Do You Feel About This Article?

Happy

2

0

Surprised

0

0

Sad

0

0

Angry

0

0

My Topics

Follow topics to stay updated with your favorite content

0

SOUTH CHINA SEA

Relevant. Witty. Daily

Morning news briefings from Philstar.com

SIGN-UP

or sign in with

More in World

Meta launches paid subscriptions for Instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp

Even moderately hot days raise risk of koala deaths — study

Teen mortally stabbed in France after row sparked by TikTok rejection

Dread and denial at heart of deadly Ebola outbreak

BrandSpace Articles

More than just a trend: Enjoy these exclusive ube treats, summer coolers at SM Malls

AIA Philippines launches AI-powered training platform to empower agents to elevate more meaningful, human-first customer conversations

You and your EVs have a place to recharge at your most-loved SM Supermalls

Pre-order vivo X300 FE, compact flagship for creators

Ligo Sardines: From everyday staple to everyday impact

Kojie.san SunProtect has got you covered from every kind of light

A shared goal: PalawanPay, RUNRIO and UP OASD advocate for wellness and community growth

Watsons names SB19 as brand ambassadors to celebrate everyday confidence and Filipino excellence

Healthcare outsourcing Philippines: How AI is redefining patient care delivery

Cebuana Lhuillier: Gold is the missing piece in modern investment portfolios

Conversation

Loading...

• Latest
• Trending

Trending

Latest

Trending

abtest

abtest

Taiwan says China deployed more than 100 vessels in regional waters

By Joy Chiang | 4 days ago

Taiwan security officials said Saturday that China has deployed more than 100 navy, coast guard and other vessels in regional...

World

Trump skips son's wedding as Iran talks continue

5 days ago

US President Donald Trump confirmed Friday he would miss his son's wedding, insisting he had to stay in Washington because...

World

\

WHO declares international emergency as Ebola outbreak kills more than 80 in DR Congo

11 days ago

An Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has killed more than 80 as authorities warned there was no vaccine for...

World

Crackdown in Southeast Asia pushes scam networks to Sri Lanka

By Amal Jayasinghe | 11 days ago

A surge in arrests of suspected foreign scammers in Sri Lanka has authorities concerned that the island is fast becoming a...

World

Xi hosts Putin in Beijing days after Trump: What to know

By Mary Yang | 9 days ago

Russian President Vladimir Putin arrives in Beijing on Tuesday for a summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, looking to deepen...

World

Latest

abtest

Trump peace board Gaza envoy warns imperfect ceasefire risks being permanent

6 days ago

The Gaza high representative of US President Donald Trump's Board of Peace warned Thursday that the status quo in the...

World

Iran weighs US offer as Trump says peace talks on 'borderline' Tehran, Iran

7 days ago

Iran said on Wednesday it was examining a new US proposal to end the Middle East war, as President Donald Trump described...

World

WHO worried about 'scale and speed' of deadly Ebola outbreak

By Camille Laffont | 8 days ago

The World Health Organization on Tuesday voiced concern about the "scale and speed" of an Ebola outbreak that has...

World

Musk wants SpaceX to go public. Here's how it works

By Théo Marie-Courtois | 11 days ago

Hundreds of companies raised a combined $70 billion by selling shares to the public in the United States last year.

World

Recommended

DPWH speeds up repairs on EDSA-Tramo flyover

20 hours ago

The Department of Public Works and Highways is fast-tracking repair works on a damaged portion of the EDSA-Tramo...

World

DPWH EDSA

Proceed with VP impeach trial’

20 hours ago

Diverting and undermining the stalled impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte should be the last thing the senators...

World

SARA

WATCH: What happened on Day 2 of Marcos’ Japan state visit

23 hours ago

The day featured a series of meetings and engagements focused on further strengthening diplomatic, economic and strategic...

World

BONGBONG MARCOS JAPAN

Marcos, First Lady receive honors from Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako in Tokyo

1 day ago

During the state call, President Marcos was conferred the Grand Cordon of the Supreme Order of the Chrysanthemum, while the...

World

BONGBONG MARCOS JAPAN

How Sara Duterte impeachment prosecutors are preparing for trial

1 day ago

House prosecutors are assigning article leads, validating financial records and preparing witnesses ahead of the June pr...

World

EXPLAINER HOUSE PROSECUTION IMPEACHMENT

next

OKAre you sure you want to log out?YesNoXLoginPhilstar.com is one of the most vibrant, opinionated, discerning communities of readers on cyberspace. With your meaningful insights, help shape the stories that can shape the country. Sign up now!## Get Updated:Signup for the News Round nowE-mail Address:PasswordREMEMBER ME FORGOT PASSWORD?SIGN INor sign in with Sign In - Google AccountsSign in with Google. Opens in new tabSign inSign in as New user?CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site, you are agreeing to our use of cookies.