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Chinese FM Wang Yi warns Philippines to ‘act with caution’ in South China Sea maritime dispute
- In a phone call with his Philippine counterpart Enrique Manalo, Wang said Beijing-Manila relations are at a crossroads
- The two sides agreed to meet ‘as soon as possible’ under the bilateral consultation mechanism to discuss South China Sea issues
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Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has told his Philippines counterpart that Manila should “act with caution” and “return to the right path” to manage the two countries’ maritime disputes.
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“China-Philippines relations are now standing at a crossroads. Faced with the choice of what path to follow, the Philippines must act with caution,” Wang said in a phone call with Enrique Manalo on Wednesday, according to a Chinese foreign ministry readout.
“If the Philippine side misjudges the situation, goes its own way, or even colludes with ill-intentioned external forces to continue to stir up troubles, China will defend its rights in accordance with law and respond resolutely,” Wang said, in a veiled swipe at the US, Manila’s long-time ally.
The call – which the ministry said was made at the Philippines’ invitation – followed months of rising tensions in the South China Sea – a key global conduit connecting Northeast and Southeast Asia – where both countries have overlapping claims.
Traded accusations between Manila and Beijing over recent confrontations have sent China-Philippines ties into a tailspin.
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Philippines sets up ‘game changer’ monitoring station on island in disputed South China Sea
Philippines sets up ‘game changer’ monitoring station on island in disputed South China Sea
These have included the use of water cannons against Philippine vessels, near Scarborough Shoal on December 9 and another near Second Thomas Shoal on December 10, according to Manila.
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