21-12-2023 (MANILA) Recent conflicts between China and the Philippines in the South China Sea have escalated, prompting a stern warning from Wang Yi, a member of the Chinese Communist Party’s Central Political Bureau and the Minister of Foreign Affairs. Wang stated that the current state of Sino-Philippine relations is facing serious challenges, and should the Philippines misjudge the situation, China will respond resolutely.
According to reports from Xinhua News Agency, Wang Yi had a scheduled phone call with Philippine Foreign Secretary Manalo on Wednesday (December 20).
Wang Yi remarked that the root cause of the current difficulties in Sino-Philippine relations lies in the Philippines’ alteration of its longstanding policy position. He accused the Philippines of reneging on its commitments, continuously provoking and creating disturbances at sea, thereby undermining China’s legitimate rights. Sino-Philippine relations, Wang argued, stand at a crossroads, requiring careful consideration on the part of the Philippines.
Wang Yi advised the Philippines “not to continue down the wrong path but to quickly return to the right track.” Urgent action, he emphasized, is needed to properly handle and control the current maritime situation. Being close neighbors with shared waters, disputes should be resolved through negotiation. This, he highlighted, is not only an effective way for neighboring countries to coexist but also a beneficial experience for the recovery of Sino-Philippine relations.
Wang Yi reiterated China’s commitment to resolving differences through dialogue and negotiation, aiming to maintain maritime stability. However, he warned that if the Philippines misjudges the situation, acts unilaterally, or aligns with unfriendly external forces to further escalate tensions, China will vigorously defend its rights and respond decisively.
Recent clashes in the South China Sea between Chinese and Philippine vessels have heightened concerns. Both nations have blamed each other for the conflicts, showing signs of preparing for an escalated situation.
Philippine President Marcos, in an interview with Japanese media on December 16, expressed concern that diplomatic efforts between China and the Philippines to address South China Sea issues are heading in a “negative direction.” He stressed the need for Manila to break away from old thinking and undergo a “paradigm shift.”
Additionally, according to Reuters, Philippine Defense Minister Teodoro dismissed China’s accusations that the Philippines is causing tension and trouble, stating that only Beijing believes in such claims.
The Philippines initiated arbitration proceedings against China’s sovereignty claims in the South China Sea at the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague in 2013. The tribunal released its decision three years later, largely favoring the Philippines’ claims. China rejected and refused to acknowledge the ruling, asserting historical and legal foundations for its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights in the South China Sea, unaffected by the arbitration tribunal’s decision.
