A Chinese military spokesman on Friday urged the Philippines to cease its infringement, provocations and propaganda.
Jiang Bin, a spokesman for China's Ministry of National Defense, made the remarks in response to a media inquiry regarding recent joint military exercises held by the Philippines and extra-regional partners in the South China Sea.
"It is China's consistent belief that defense and security cooperation between relevant countries should neither target nor harm the interests of a third party, or undermine regional peace and stability. The root cause of tensions in the South China Sea is that the Philippine side frequently draws in outside forces to conduct infringement and provocation. The historical context and the rights and wrongs of the issue of the South China Sea are clear. We reject any unfounded accusations that propagate false narratives and distort legal facts. We will neither tolerate the blackmailing by those who provoke first and then play the victim, nor indulge provocations by those who stir up trouble in collusion with other outside powers. We will not give up efforts for peace, stability and development through coordination," he said.
"China will not waver in its resolve to safeguard its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests. We urge the Philippine side to stop undermining the joint efforts by regional countries in pursuing peace and development, and to stop its infringement, provocations and hyping up the situation. Otherwise, the Philippines will end up lifting a rock only to drop it on its own feet," said Jiang.
China urges the Philippines to cease provocations on South China Sea issue
Gas prices at pumps in the United States surged above four U.S. dollars a gallon for the first time since the summer of 2022, reaching a record high in nearly four years, data from the American Automobile Association (AAA) showed on Tuesday.
According to AAA, the national average for a gallon of regular gasoline in the United States has risen by about one dollar since last month, reaching 4.018.
The price of diesel hit 5.454 U.S. dollars per gallon, up 45 percent in a month.
In California, the largest U.S. state economy, the average gas price stood at 5.887 U.S. dollars per gallon and the average cost of a gallon of diesel reached an all-time high of 7.455 U.S. dollars on Tuesday, as per AAA.
The growing gas price has become a challenge for local car owners in Los Angeles, California, as many of them saying they are cutting back on driving and changing daily habits.
"The only reason why I came here was convenience. I was completely out of gas, and on 'empty.' But this is crazy expensive. So, normally, I would never come to a gas station this expensive, and I'd look for cheaper gas," said Cindy Devereaux, a local resident.
"I commute a lot, so, I'm paying like 30 dollars more in the prices that I used to pay. So, it's really taking a toll on my wallet, and it's not a good look for the economy. I think this is just the beginning. I honestly think it's going to get worse, and we're just seeing the beginnings of this. And, yeah, I think we're heading into a crisis," another local resident Scarlett Zamora said.
Given the oil price hikes caused by the war in Iran, consumers' median 12-month inflation expectations in March surged, according to a Conference Board report on Tuesday.
The report showed that consumers' median 12-month inflation expectations in March stood at 5.2 percent, higher than the 4.5 percent reading in February.
Meanwhile, U.S. Consumer Confidence Index rose to 91.8 in March, up from 91.0 in February, the report said.
US gas prices reach record high in nearly 4 years
