China: Relations with the Philippines are on two fateful paths

The emergence of China as a power on par with America is considered the biggest strategic threat to Washington in the international system. Therefore, the United States is strengthening its relations with East Asian countries to implement a policy of containment against Beijing. Meanwhile, the South China Sea is at the peak of tensions.

According to the Reuters news agency, China warned the Philippines today (Monday) about the naval confrontation between the two countries in the South China Sea and announced that the relations between the two sides are now at a critical crossroads.

This is the second warning message from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China to Manila in the last 3 months. Both sides claim ownership of parts of this sea, especially the Spratly Islands. Although these islands are uninhabited, both sides insist on their claims regarding the ownership of the surrounding seas, especially the exclusive economic zones.

During a phone call between China’s Vice Foreign Minister, China Jiadong, and his Philippine counterpart, Teresa Lazaro, Beijing’s warning message was conveyed to Manila.

In this phone call, Teresa Lazaro also informed the other party of her highest objections to the aggressive actions of the Chinese Coast Guard and Navy against the Philippine forces in the South China Sea.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry issued a statement about this telephone conversation and pointed out: Beijing once again asks the Philippines to respect its commitments and agreements and stop its maritime and provocative activities in the South China Sea. We ask Manila to put an end to any unilateral action that could complicate the situation in this sea.

In the end, this statement called for the honest return of the Philippines to the path of dialogue to resolve the disputes surrounding the South China Sea.

In recent years, the United States has expanded its military cooperation with the Philippines in order to implement a policy of containment against China. Washington does not want Beijing to dominate the South China Sea and endanger the sea route of this country.