Beijing protests to Philippine ambassador over ‘recent negative China-related remarks’ from Manila
- Foreign ministry says official also made solemn representations to Manila’s envoy ‘on issues related to Taiwan and the South China Sea’
- On the same day, Chinese embassy in the Philippines says Washington should refrain from ‘instigating trouble’ in the South China Sea
Beijing has protested to Manila about “recent negative China-related remarks” and comments on issues such as Taiwan and the South China Sea, at a time when the Philippines is upgrading its security ties with the United States.
Liu Jinsong, head of the Asian affairs department at the Chinese foreign ministry, delivered the message at a meeting with Jaime FlorCruz, the Philippine ambassador to China, on Tuesday, according to a readout from China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
“Liu made solemn representations over recent negative statements involving China by the Philippines side, as well as on issues related to Taiwan and the South China Sea. Liu expressed China’s strong dissatisfaction and firm position,” the readout said.
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Chinese floating barrier blocks entrance to Philippine ships at South China Sea flashpoint
Also on Wednesday, Beijing lashed out at the US after Secretary of State Antony Blinken said his country’s commitment to defend the Philippines was “ironclad”.
“We have a shared concern about the PRC’s [People’s Republic of China] actions that threaten our common vision for a free, open Indo-Pacific, including in the South China Sea and in the Philippines exclusive economic zone,” Blinken said.
These actions included “repeated violations of international law and the rights of the Philippines: water cannons, blocking manoeuvres, close shadowing, other dangerous operations”, he said.
Blinken also made it clear that the US-Philippine 1951 mutual defence treaty would be invoked if the Philippine armed forces, public vessels, aircraft or coastguard came under armed attack in the South China Sea.