Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi expressed concern over the Philippines’ stance on the deployment of US medium-range missiles possibly leading to increased tension in the region, Chinese media reported.
Wang Yi met with Philippine foreign secretary Enrique Manalo on Friday and warned the Philippine side against the roll-out of the US medium-range missile defence system since the US deployed its Typhon missile system in the Philippines earlier this year as part of a joint military exercise.
According to the Chinese foreign minister, the positive and negative lessons of Sino-Philippine relations in recent years prove there is no easy way to build good relations, but it is easy to destroy them. He also pointed out that at present, the relations are facing serious difficulties and challenges, which stem from the fact that the Philippine side has repeatedly violated the consensus of the two sides and its own commitments, constantly violated maritime rights and fuelled public opinion speculation.
Besides, Wang underlined Beijing’s recent interim agreement with the Philippines to transport and resupply humanitarian supplies to Zhenaijiao in order to maintain the stability of the maritime situation. The Chinese foreign minister emphasised the importance for the Philippine side to honour its commitments and refrain from changing its stance, as otherwise, he said, China will definitely react strongly.
Philippine foreign secretary Manalo, for his part, also observed the Philippines and China have a long history of traditional friendship and have established a comprehensive strategic co-operation relationship based on equal treatment and mutual benefit. In addition, the Philippines seeks to ease the situation through dialogue and consultation as well as constructive resolution of differences.
The recent meeting of the Bilateral Consultative Mechanism on the South China Sea, where both sides agreed to manage the maritime situation, reflects the goodwill of both sides without prejudice to their positions, according to Manalo.
The 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Manila and Beijing will take place next year. Still, the two countries are in a state of stand-off in the disputed South China Sea, and their clashes have become increasingly tense as Beijing lays claim to shallow waters in waters which Manila claims are within its own exclusive economic zone.
