The Philippines’ top diplomat expressed “a strong protest” to her Chinese counterpart on Wednesday regarding a recent collision in the disputed South China Sea, while also affirming Manila’s intention to continue dialogue with Beijing.
In a statement, Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro condemned the “violent actions” of China’s coast guard at Second Thomas Shoal during a meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) ministerial meeting in Manila, marking their first encounter in two years.
Lazaro also “reiterated the call to remove the remaining structures” at Scarborough Shoal, where China had recently placed and subsequently removed a floating barrier. There was no immediate comment from the Chinese side.
Tensions in the South China Sea
The outcome of the meeting highlights that the dispute over the South China Sea continues to be a significant point of contention between Manila and Beijing. The two nations have accused each other of causing a collision in the disputed waters earlier this week, which resulted in injuries to a Philippine Navy serviceman.
China also lodged a protest with the Philippines over what it termed the “malicious harassment” of its personnel in the South China Sea. The United States, a treaty ally of the Philippines, condemned China’s actions, labeling them “destabilizing” in the disputed waters.
In her statement, Lazaro emphasized that the Philippines “strongly rejects the depiction of Filipinos as monkeys” following the circulation of an artificial intelligence-generated video in Chinese media.
Despite these tensions, she noted that her discussion with Wang Yi was “frank, comprehensive, and constructive.” “Both sides underscored the importance of maintaining peace, security, and stability in the region, reducing the risk of miscalculation, and continuing dialogue on issues of mutual interest,” the statement from the Philippine department said.
The meeting was held in accordance with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.‘s directive to pursue dialogue and diplomacy with China while firmly upholding the national interests of the Philippines.
Source: Bloomberg
