A Philippine Coast Guard on the lookout during a a resupply mission to a grounded warship in the South China Sea. © Reuters
Published December 21, 2023
Beijing vows to ‘respond resolutely,’ accuses Manila of provocation
BEIJING (Kyodo) — China has criticized the Philippines for taking provocative actions in the South China Sea, where the two countries are engaged in a territorial dispute, and vowed to “respond resolutely” to defend its rights, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said.
In his telephone talks with Philippine counterpart Enrique Manalo on Wednesday, China’s top diplomat Wang Yi said the bilateral relationship faces “severe difficulties” and stands “at a crossroads,” urging Manila to “take proper management of the current maritime situation as a top priority.”
He accused the Philippines of “constantly provoking trouble at sea and undermining China’s legitimate and lawful rights” and warned of a resolute response if Manila “misjudges the situation” and “colludes with ill-intentioned external forces.”
Over the past few months, Philippine ships sailing in the South China Sea have been subjected to dangerous maneuvers by China Coast Guard vessels that have included the use of water cannons, resulting in collisions.
The United States and other countries have condemned China’s actions in the resource-rich international waterway.
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SOURCE: www.asia.nikkei.com
RELATED: South China Sea: Philippines’ Marcos Jnr calls for ‘paradigm shift’ in diplomacy with Beijing
- The Philippine president, citing ‘very little progress’, said traditional diplomatic efforts on the disputed waterway were being disregarded by China
- He added that his government will continue talking to partners and come up with a joint position stating their responsibilities on the sea
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr attends a press conference in Tokyo on Monday. Photo: Kyodo
Published December 19, 2023
In an interview with Japan’s Mainichi newspaper on December 16, parts of which were shared with Philippine media on Monday, Marcos Jnr said traditional diplomatic efforts were being disregarded by China, according to a presidential palace release.
“It’s time that the countries that feel that they have an involvement in this situation, we have to come up with a paradigm shift,” Marcos Jnr said, while reiterating the Philippines wants to avoid violent conflict.
He added that his government will continue talking to its partners and come up with a joint position stating their responsibilities as far as the West Philippine Sea is concerned.
The Philippines refers to the part of South China Sea within its exclusive economic zone as the West Philippine Sea.
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SOURCE: www.scmp.com
RELATED: CNA Explains: Beijing vs Manila in the South China Sea – what’s the endgame?
After a year of multiple incidents in the key waterway, CNA’s Buena Bernal looks at the historical dispute and why Manila’s ambassador is warning of the start of another “world war”.
In this handout photo provided by the Philippine Coast Guard, a Chinese Coast Guard ship uses water cannons on Philippine navy-operated supply boat M/L Kalayaan as it approaches Second Thomas Shoal, locally known as Ayungin Shoal, in the disputed South China Sea on Dec 10, 2023. (Photo: AP)
Published December 20, 2023
MANILA: Unprecedented challenges in the South China Sea merit unprecedented action, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr said last Saturday (Dec 16).
He was speaking after Philippine officials reported China using water cannons against their vessels at two disputed areas of the sea on two consecutive days.
There have now been four such incidents. And the latest led to the Philippines filing its 64th diplomatic protest against China this year, out of over 130 since Mr Marcos Jr took power in June 2022.
What happened in the South China Sea in 2023?
Some of the incidents reported by the Philippines include:
- The China Coast Guard in February pointing a “military-grade” laser at crew members of a Philippine Coast Guard ship
- More than 100 Chinese fishing or maritime militia vessels “swarming” waters around various disputed reefs, shoals and other features, on at least two separate occasions in June and December
- China installing in September a 300m floating barrier near Scarborough Shoal in waters it claims, which Manila removed saying it was a violation of international law
- Chinese vessels using water cannons in August, November and December on Philippine resupply missions which Beijing said had entered its waters without permission; the clashes also led to other actions which resulted in collisions and damaged boats at least twice
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SOURCE: www.channelnewsasia.com
