Chinese criticism of an “anti-China” rhetoric
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has urged Manila to control the statements its representatives make, accusing multiple Filipino politicians of an anti-China rhetoric. His statement comes amid soured relations between the two countries, contextualised by repeated confrontations in the controversial South China Sea dispute.
State media reports that Wang Yi’s warning took place via a phone call with Filipino Foreign Minster, Ma. Theresa Lazaro, describing a handful of Filipino politicians of having “repeatedly attacked and smeared China out of their political bias and self-interest, crossing China’s red lines.”
Wang stated that it is imperative the Philippine government ensures its members practice restraint in their statements, as such “egregious actions are utterly irrational and intolerable.” According to the Chinese Foreign Ministry, such statements not only “infringe upon the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese personnel and institutions in the Philippines,” but also “damage the Philippines’ international image.”
Territorial claims strain diplomatic relations
The intensity of China’s statements are contextualised by the overlapping territorial claims both countries have in the South China Sea, which has led to physical disputes between sailors and conflict between navy vessels in recent years. As of late, the conflicting territorial claims have bled over into the nature of diplomatic relations between both countries.
This year in June, the Filipino defence secretary labelled China a “troublemaker” in the region, prompting the Chinese ambassador to the Philippines to state that should China “want to use force,” it would “easily win.” Though this was followed by a Chinese reassurance of upholding peace, the increased frequency of such warnings concretises the severity this conflict could promise.
