China has intensified its public warning to the Philippines over maritime tensions, with Foreign Minister Wang Yi saying bilateral relations now stand at a crossroads. His remarks came during a meeting in Manila with Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro, held against the backdrop of renewed friction around Ren'ai Jiao.
Wang said the Philippines must make what Beijing considers correct and rational decisions about the direction of the relationship. He delivered a strong protest over what China described as the conduct of Philippine personnel who rammed Chinese law-enforcement vessels near the disputed feature.
The Chinese minister argued that difficulties in the relationship over recent years have not served either country and have complicated regional stability. He said both sides should preserve peace and development in the region, while accusing the Philippines of moving against that broader regional interest.
Wang also warned against the involvement of outside powers in maritime disputes, saying that external interference and the political amplification of sea-related tensions would leave the Philippines exposed to consequences of its own making. He said elements within the Philippine military and law-enforcement system had, at sensitive moments, acted in ways that obstructed dialogue.
Beijing framed the issue as one that should be handled through bilateral consultation. Wang said China had not historically invaded or colonized the Philippines and maintained that disputes over territorial claims and maritime delimitation should be managed through negotiation rather than through mechanisms China rejects.
Lazaro, for her part, emphasized the long history of contact between the two countries and said the Philippines and China remain neighbors. She reaffirmed Manila's commitment to the one-China policy and said the Philippine side hoped to seek proper solutions to maritime issues through dialogue while improving bilateral ties.
