Wang Yi Warns the Philippines: "Response If South China Sea Agreement Is Not Fulfilled"

Bilateral Meeting with the Philippine Foreign Minister

Wang Yi, Director of the Central Foreign Affairs Office of the Chinese Communist Party (also serving as Foreign Minister), held a bilateral meeting with Enrique Manalo, Philippine Foreign Minister, in Vientiane, Laos, on the 26th (local time) to discuss bilateral issues including the South China Sea territorial disputes.

According to the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, during the meeting with Minister Manalo held on the sidelines of the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) Foreign Ministers' Meeting, Director Wang urged the Philippines to thoroughly implement the recently reached agreement between the two countries regarding the supply of materials to the reefs in the South China Sea.

Previously, China and the Philippines have had several clashes and conflicts over the disputed territories in the South China Sea. On the 17th of last month, tensions peaked when the Chinese Coast Guard attacked the Philippine Navy at the Second Thomas Shoal in the Spratly Islands of the South China Sea, injuring several Philippine soldiers.

Director Wang stated, "China has recently reached a provisional agreement with the Philippines on the humanitarian supply of goods to the Second Thomas Shoal (known as Ren'ai Jiao in Chinese and Ayungin in Filipino) to maintain maritime stability," emphasizing that the core of this agreement is that the Philippines must fulfill its promises and refrain from repeatedly changing its stance or causing unnecessary issues.

He also warned that if the Philippines fails to fulfill its promises, China will respond resolutely.

[Photo by Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs]

Director Wang said, "Currently, China-Philippines relations are facing serious difficulties and challenges," adding, "The fundamental cause is the Philippines' repeated violations of agreements and promises between the two countries, continuous infringement on China's maritime rights, and manipulation of public opinion."

He further urged the Philippines to "choose the direction where the bilateral relationship, currently at a crossroads, should go," expressing hope that the two countries will soon put their relations back on the right track.

In response, Minister Manalo stated, "The two countries recently held a bilateral consultation mechanism meeting on the South China Sea issue and agreed to control the maritime situation," which, according to the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, reflects the goodwill of both sides, and the Philippines is willing to implement the agreement.

Minister Manalo emphasized, "Although both sides face difficulties and challenges due to maritime issues, the Philippines is striving to ease the situation through dialogue and consultation and to constructively handle differences."