Manila, Feb. 4 -- The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Tuesday said supporting China's claims in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) while undermining the Philippines' claims is "treason."

Commodore Jay Tarriela, PCG spokesperson for the WPS, issued the statement following debates between elected officials on the WPS and "crude" remarks made by the Chinese Embassy in Manila.

"The instability and rising tension of the South China Sea is rooted in the PRC's (People's Republic of China) interest and greed," Tarriela said.

He noted that the situation in the South China Sea (SCS) and the WPS "will not unfold according to the People's Republic of China's propaganda playbook and bullying tactics."

"Each infringement and provocation by Beijing in th...