Beijing warns Philippines to ‘proceed with caution’ after latest South China Sea stand-off

Foreign vice-minister Chen Xiaodong warns that relations are ‘at a crossroads’ and says Manila must pay ‘serious attention to China’s concerns’
The warning follows the latest confrontation at the disputed Second Thomas Shoal, where the Philippines accused China of ‘aggressive’ behaviour

South China Sea

Cyril Ip

Published: 10:13pm, 25 Mar 2024

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China has warned the Philippines that relations between the two countries are “at a crossroads” amid their ongoing territorial dispute.

Chinese foreign vice-minister Chen Xiaodong issued the warning after the latest confrontation between coastguard ships near the disputed Second Thomas Shoal on Saturday.

Both sides lodged diplomatic protests, but Chen issued the further warning in a phone conversation with the Philippine undersecretary for foreign affairs Maria Theresa Lazaro.

“China-Philippines relations are at a crossroads, and the Philippines must proceed with caution as to where it wants to go,” Chen told Lazaro, according to a statement from the Chinese foreign ministry.

“China once again demands that the Philippines pays serious attention to China’s concerns, steps back from the brink [and] returns to the right track of properly resolving differences through negotiation and consultation with China as soon as possible.”

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China complained that over the weekend the Philippines had sent two coastguard vessels and a supply ship to “transport construction materials” to an old warship grounded on the reef.

The Philippines accused the Chinese coastguards of blocking their ship and using water cannons.

But the Chinese embassy in Manila described it as a “a deliberate and provocative move that infringed upon China’s sovereignty and maritime rights and interests and undermined peace and stability in the South China Sea”.

It also said its coastguards had acted “lawfully” and “in a reasonable and professional manner”.

Its statement continued: “China urges the Philippines to immediately stop infringement and provocation and return to the right track of dialogue and consultation … to find a proper way to manage the situation, so as to jointly preserve peace and stability in the South China Sea.”

Manila had previously summoned the Chinese charge d’affaires to “convey the Philippines’ strong protest against the aggressive actions” of China’s coastguards.

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“China’s continued interference with the Philippines’ routine and lawful activities in its own exclusive economic zone is unacceptable. It infringes upon the Philippines’ sovereign rights and jurisdiction,” said spokesperson Teresita Daza.

China accused the Philippines of breaking a promise to remove the warship, the BRP Sierra Madre, which was deliberately grounded on the reef in 1999.

Lin Jian, a spokesman for the Chinese foreign ministry, said: “The Philippine side is inconsistent and goes back on its words, seriously violating a promise it has repeatedly made to the Chinese side.”

Manila has denied that any such agreement has been made. Last year President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr said that he was “not aware” of any such deal – but that if it existed he would “rescind” it.

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The growing tensions between the two countries over the resource-rich waters have prompted Manila to deepen its military relationship with the United States, which has a treaty commitment to defend its ally if it comes under attack.

Last week US Secretary of State Antony Blinken visited the Philippines and reaffirmed his country’s “ironclad” commitment to its ally.