During the Xiangshan defense forum, Chinese army Lieutenant General He Lei asserted that China would 'crush' any foreign incursions into its sovereign territory, particularly in the South China Sea. He emphasized that the region should remain peaceful, but warned of decisive action against the U.S. or any allies pushing countries to the front lines. This statement reflects escalating tensions between the U.S. and China regarding maritime disputes, as China continues to enforce its claims, which overlap with those of the Philippines, Vietnam, and others, despite an international ruling against them. Recent months have seen increased confrontations between Chinese and Philippine vessels, exacerbating diplomatic strains. He Lei urged the U.S. to re-evaluate its involvement, expressing a desire for cooperation instead of conflict. The remarks come amid ongoing U.S. military support for the Philippines, including a $500 million pledge to enhance its military capabilities.