China warns Philippines to exercise caution after maritime confrontations

Chinese media reported that Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said in a phone call with Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo that the relationship between China and Manila “now stands at a crossroads.”

“The Philippine side must act with caution,” Wang was quoted as saying.

China’s top diplomat warned that if the Philippines misjudges the situation, goes its own way or colludes with “ill-intentioned external forces,” China would defend its rights and respond resolutely.

The call comes as the relations between the Philippines and China deteriorate in the face of Beijing’s growing assertiveness in the waters claimed by Manila.

Wang blamed the Philippines for changing its policies and reneging on its commitments.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has sought to push back against Beijing’s increasingly aggressive behavior in the West Philippine Sea as he strengthens ties with the United States. Over the weekend, he emphasized the need for a “paradigm shift” in tackling China’s aggression as diplomatic efforts with China were heading in a “poor direction.”

In contrast, his predecessor Rodrigo Duterte pursued a foreign policy shift toward China in exchange for investment pledges.

In a release, Manalo said he and his Chinese counterpart “had a frank and candid exchange and ended our call with a clearer understanding of our respective positions on a number of issues.”

“We both noted the importance of dialogue in addressing these issues,” Manalo said.

Earlier this month, the government accused the China Coast Guard of ramming and firing water cannons at Philippine supply boats.

China claims almost the entire South China Sea, encompassing waters and islands close to its neighbors’ shores. It has ignored an international tribunal ruling in 2016, which stated that its claims have no legal basis. — Gaea Katreena Cabico with a report from Agence France-Presse