The latest stand-off comes after
warned his Philippine counterpart on Wednesday that Manila would “bear the bitter consequences” if it tried to provoke Beijing with the help of other countries.
Wang made the remark as he lodged a “strong protest” during talks with Theresa Lazaro, the Philippines’ top diplomat, in Manila over what he called an “aggressive act of ramming a Chinese law enforcement vessel” at a disputed reef in the
on Monday.
It was the third day Beijing has protested over
at Second Thomas Shoal involving a Chinese coastguard vessel and two Philippine Navy rubber boats.
In Wednesday’s meeting, Wang said bilateral relations were at a crossroads and “where to go from here requires the Philippine side to make a correct and rational choice”, according to the Chinese foreign ministry readout.
“Over the past few years, China-Philippines relations have continued to face difficulties and challenges,” Wang said, adding that Manila’s actions were “a source of disruption to regional peace and stability”.
“Facts have proven that allowing external forces to interfere, and deliberately hyping up to escalate maritime differences, will only turn oneself into a tool for others,” Wang said.
“Attempting to provoke and cause trouble with the help of countries outside the region will ultimately [mean that the Philippines will] have to bear the bitter consequences of its own actions.
“Regrettably, whenever China and the Philippines are about to engage in dialogue, certain forces in the Philippines – particularly some in the military and law enforcement agencies – deliberately create incidents to undermine its progress,” he continued.
“These individuals do not have the well-being of the Filipino people at heart. Instead, they are carrying out the agenda of external forces while pursuing their own personal gains.”
Wang said China had never been a security threat to the Philippines, “nor has it ever invaded or colonised the Philippines”.
He called for dialogue to address their maritime disputes and urged Manila to make a “correct and sensible choice” to stabilise ties.
