China warns Philippines against relying on US to make waves in South China Sea (2025)

The Philippines should stop making waves in the South China Sea by relying on U.S. support, as it will only "backfire", a spokesman for China's Ministry of National Defense warned on Wednesday.

Zhang Xiaogang, the spokesman, made the warning in response to a media query about U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth's recent visit to the Philippines. During the visit, Hegseth reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to the U.S.-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty to counter the "China threat", and the two countries also conducted joint sea patrols in the South China Sea amid rising tensions. Additionally, the United States has recently approved the sale of F-16 fighter jets to the Philippines.

Zhang noted that such provocative actions undermine China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights, while also threatening regional peace and stability.

"On the pretext of honoring bilateral treaties, the United States is meddling in the South China Sea issue, undermining China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, and attempting to threat and coerce China. This approach will simply not work. It needs to be pointed out that the Philippine side has repeatedly made infringements and provocation against China. Outside countries led by the United States have made continued attempts to destabilize the South China Sea through escalating tensions and providing weapons. It fully exposed their true intention of making troubles in the region. To the Philippine side, relying on foreign support to make waves in the South China Sea will backfire and eventually pawns will easily be abandoned. We urge the Philippine side to give up unrealistic illusions and come back to the right track of dialogue and negotiation at an early date," said Zhang.

The 15th Beijing International Film Festival (BJIFF) kicked off its much-anticipated Film Carnival in Huairou District of Chinese capital city, drawing in film lovers and visitors to a vibrant celebration packed with exciting performances and cinematic marvels.

As one of the BJIFF's signature events, this year's Carnival has been unfolded across two iconic locations: the Yanqi Lake International Convention and Exhibition Center and the China (Huairou) Film and Television Base—also known as the China Movie Capital, a hub for film and television production and tourism.

Blending the magic of cinema with traditional arts, gourmet delights, and interactive exhibits, the Carnival is designed to offer a mesmerizing celebration for visitors.

At the China Movie Capital venue, visitors can enjoy classic film screenings, live performances, and exhibitions featuring intangible cultural heritage (ICH). The event also includes zones dedicated to cultural merchandise, local cuisine, and interactive experiences.

One of the biggest highlights is the "ICH in Film" experience zone, where visitors can marvel at traditional Chinese tie-dye art and hand-painted folding fans inspired by famous films and TV dramas.

"We crafted 48 folding fans for this event, all themed around films. For example, one fan features the classic poem Qinyuanchun-Changsha, which has been highlighted in the film '1921'. We've also recreated scenes from TV series 'Dream of the Red Chamber' on some fans," said Xiao Ying, Deputy Secretary-General of the China Fan Art Association.

Visitors can also take part in hands-on workshops, such as traditional tie-dye sessions, for an up-close encounter with Chinese folk arts.

"It's such a rich experience to see these ICH products and tie-dying activities—and even getting to make something by hand. They perfectly blend traditional crafts with film culture. Such a unique and creative idea," said a visitor.

The Carnival also breathes new life into film history by recreating classic movie scenes, such as the opulent world featured in the 1987 epic film "The Last Emperor."

"There are many recreated sets, including immersive exhibition halls filled with original-style costumes," said another visitor.

In addition, six grand live performances including the Film Carnival Arts Gala are offering audiences a rich blend of light, sound, and storytelling.

The Carnival, which opened on Friday, will run through early May.

Running from April 18 to 26, the 15th BJIFF coincides with the 130th anniversary of world cinema and the 120th anniversary of Chinese cinema. At the heart of the festival is the Tiantan Award, which honors outstanding recent films and celebrates diversity in global filmmaking.