BEIJING, March 27 – A Chinese senior diplomat on Monday said the current China-Philippines relations are “at a crossroads” and urged Manila to act with caution and stop any unilateral actions that may complicate the situation.
Vice-Foreign Minister Chen Xiaodong made the remarks in a phone call with his counterpart Philippine Foreign Undersecretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro, two days after a supply vessel and two Coast Guard vessels of the Philippines intruded into the adjacent waters of Ren’ai Reef in Nansha Islands, in an attempt to send construction materials to the military vessel illegally grounded at Ren’ai Reef.
It seriously violates the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, and the Philippines’ own commitments, Chen said, adding such move also infringes upon China’s territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, and undermines regional peace and stability.
Noting China has indisputable sovereignty over the Nansha Islands, including Ren’ai Reef and its adjacent waters, Chen said the root cause of escalation of the on-site situation is Manila’s reneging on its promises and stirring up trouble.
“China once again urges Manila to earnestly return to the right track of dialogue and negotiation with Beijing to properly resolve differences,” Chen said.
