UK Raises Alarm Over China’s Growing Influence in the South China Sea, Warns Foreign Minister

LONDON, March 10 (Reuters) – The United Kingdom has expressed its apprehension regarding China’s “hazardous and destabilizing” actions in the South China Sea, as stated by British Foreign Secretary David Lammy on Monday.

In a message shared on X,Lammy remarked,“We are troubled by the perilous and destabilizing activities conducted by China in the South China Sea. The safety and security of these trade routes are vital for both the UK and global economies.”

Accompanying his statement was a video where Lammy highlighted that “The Philippines is directly impacted by these Chinese maneuvers, frequently encountering threats to navigation freedom and international law.”

These comments came after Lammy’s recent trip to the Philippines,which has been strengthening its defense collaborations with nations such as Britain amid escalating tensions in the South China Sea alongside confrontations with China.

this past weekend, Britain and the Philippines formalized a joint framework agreement, aimed at bolstering cooperation in areas including defense strategies, regional security initiatives, and climate change efforts.

Last month saw condemnation from U.S. officials regarding a Chinese navy helicopter’s “dangerous” actions that jeopardized a Philippine government aircraft operating within contested waters of the South China Sea.