On March 3, the Chinese Embassy in the Philippines said Beijing "strongly condemned" recent statements related to China by the Philippine Ambassador to the United States, saying these statements "disregard basic facts".
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| US Coast Guard vessels (left) and the Philippines move close to each other during an exercise in the South China Sea in 2021. (Source: Pentagon) |
In a statement, the Chinese Embassy stressed that the Philippine Ambassador's comments had "intentionally hyped up the South China Sea issue and made malicious speculations and smears against China."
Earlier on February 28, Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel Romualdez said that while Washington sees both the South China Sea issue and potential conflict in Taiwan (China) as "serious concerns", he believes that "the real flashpoint is the West Philippine Sea" because of "all the clashes that happen there".
According to Ambassador Romualdez, the frequent confrontation between Manila and Beijing in the East Sea could trigger the Mutual Defense Treaty between the US and the Philippines signed in 1951.
Accordingly, when the Treaty is activated, Washington will be obliged to defend Manila in the event of an armed attack. However, Mr. Romualdez also said that implementing this treaty will come at a cost.
Tensions between Manila and Beijing have increased in recent months, with both sides accusing the other of being responsible for a series of collisions at sea.
"The Philippines, backed by external support, has rejected China's goodwill and restraint, and repeatedly challenged China's principles and red lines," the Chinese Foreign Ministry said.
(according to Reuters)
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