National Task Force-West Philippine Sea spokesperson National Security Council Assistant Director general Jonathan Malaya during a joint NTF-WPS press conference at the PCG Office in Manila on March 6, 2024. Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News/File

MANILA -- The National Security Council (NSC) on Saturday said the Philippines is not a pawn of the United States after a Chinese military official warned that it "will never have any patience" if Washington "moves its pawns behind the scenes."

Chinese army Lieutenant General He Lei said the "People's Liberation Army will resolutely crush any foreign hostile encroachment" in the South China Sea, without naming any specific country.

READ: China to 'crush' foreign encroachment in South China Sea -- military official

NSC Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya said the council does not believe the Chinese official was referring to the Philippines.

"We do not feel alluded to. The Philippines is not and will never be a pawn of the United States," Malaya told ABS-CBN News.

The Philippines and the US have a long-standing alliance, with Washington actively supporting Manila's capabilities and stance in the West Philippine Sea – the term for the Philippines' exclusive economic zone in the South China Sea.

The US has also publicly condemned China's aggressive actions towards Philippine ships and aircraft in these waters, reinforcing its commitment to the security and sovereignty of its ally.

Malaya also said he agreed with the Chinese army's hope for a peaceful South China Sea, but emphasized that the Philippines will stand by its position in the West Philippine Sea, as backed by international law.

"We also agree with the Chinese Army General in his aspirations for peace in the South China Sea and West Philippine Sea. But our position in the South China Sea is consistent with our national interest, with international law, particularly UNCLOS, and it has been affirmed by the binding 2016 Arbitral Ruling," Malaya said. 

He continued, "As a sovereign nation, the Philippines will resolutely defend its territorial integrity, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction."

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