China Condemns U.S. Embassy Video on South China Sea as “Deliberate Distortion”

Beijing has strongly condemned a video released by the U.S. Embassy in Singapore, accusing it of intentionally misrepresenting the situation in the South China Sea. In a statement issued on May 22, China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the video as “deliberate propaganda” and called on the United States to “cease provocative actions and respect regional peace.”

The video in question, which circulated on social media platforms, depicts a maritime narrative from the U.S. perspective, asserting the right to freedom of navigation and highlighting alleged instances of Chinese harassment toward vessels from neighboring countries. While the embassy stated the video aimed to promote maritime security, Beijing viewed it as an affront to China’s sovereignty.

“The video distorts the facts and promotes a biased, confrontational stance that undermines stability in the South China Sea,” said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin. “The United States is not a party to the regional disputes and has no right to interfere.”

The incident adds to growing tensions between Washington and Beijing over maritime strategy, with the South China Sea remaining a flashpoint. China claims sovereignty over most of the sea, while the U.S. routinely conducts freedom of navigation operations in contested areas, asserting its role in maintaining open international waters.

Singapore, while not officially involved in the territorial disputes, has often urged both superpowers to exercise restraint and avoid actions that may escalate regional instability.

Observers note that the timing of the video—released just days after a joint U.S.-Philippines naval exercise—further fueled speculation over Washington’s intentions in the region.

This latest exchange comes amid broader friction between the two powers, spanning trade, technology, and security issues, and highlights the volatile nature of diplomacy in the Indo-Pacific.