Accuses Filipinos of ‘extremely dangerous’ behavior in WPS
The mouthpiece of the Chinese Communist Party, the People’s Daily, on Monday accused the Philippines of “extremely dangerous” behavior in the South China Sea, saying falsely that Philippine ships repeatedly infringed on Chinese territory, and that Manila was “colluding with extraterritorial forces to cause trouble.”
In a commentary published on Monday, the People’s Daily deplored that the Philippines has relied on US support to continually provoke China, adding that this behavior seriously harmed regional peace and stability.
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) did not immediately respond to the commentary.
Tensions between Beijing and Manila have heightened in recent months as both sides trade accusations over a spate of run-ins in the South China Sea, including charges that China rammed a ship this month carrying the Philippine Armed Forces chief of staff.
China claims most of the South China Sea, parts of which are also claimed by the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan, Vietnam, and Indonesia.
However, the United Nations-backed Permanent Court of Arbitration issued a decision in 2016 invalidating China’s massive nine-dash line claims in the South China Sea, in a case brought by the Philippines, which Beijing rejects.
Last week, in an unusually direct warning, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said any miscalculation in the dispute with the Philippines would bring a resolute response from China and called for dialogue to address “serious difficulties.”
The souring of bilateral ties coincides with Manila’s moves to bolster military relations with Japan and the United States, its former colonial power and defense ally of seven decades.
China expressed anger at the US this month for sending a navy ship into waters near the disputed area where China and the Philippines have had several maritime confrontations.
The People’s Daily said the United States has frequently used its Mutual Defense Treaty with the Philippines to “threaten” China, blatantly supporting Philippine violation of Chinese sovereignty and “peddling security anxieties.”
That is “extremely irresponsible and dangerous”, said the commentary, written under the pen name Zhong Sheng, or “Voice of China,” often used to offer the newspaper’s views on foreign policy matters.
On Dec. 17, President Marcos declared that the Philippines will continue to counsel peace in the South China Sea, but at the same time forge strong alliances with other countries to maintain regional stability.
Mr. Marcos told Japanese media that a more assertive China posed a real challenge to its neighbors in Asia, which prompted the Philippines to seek new solutions.
Mr. Marcos said the Philippines will continue to forge strong alliances with “like-minded allies.”
Meanwhile, Political science analysts in Manila agreed there was a significant improvement in the way the government is dealing with issues involving the West Philippine Sea under the leadership of President Marcos.
“I think we are dealing with the conflict in the West Philippine Sea issue now in a better position,” political scientist Cleve Arguelles told CNN Philippines.
“I think we’re very much well-placed to develop a good strategy to defend our territory against territorial incursions by foreign powers, particularly by Chinese aggression in the West Philippine Sea,” he added.
Political analyst Froilan Calilung agreed that this is one of the current administration’s strongest points.
International relations expert Chester Cabalza also pointed out that the Philippines now has “robust alliance and strategic partnerships” compared with the previous administration.
He was referring to the stronger ties the current administration is making with other nations like the United States, Japan, and Australia – a turnaround from the Duterte government’s approach of appeasing Beijing and antagonizing Manila’s traditional allies.
On Dec. 10, the China Coast Guard water cannoned Philippine vessels on a regular rotation and resupply mission to the BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal in the West Philippine Sea.
The BRP Sierra Madre is a World War II ship deliberately grounded at the Ayungin Shoal since 1999, standing as a symbol of the Philippines’ claim to the West Philippine Sea.
The CCG also rammed one of the Philippine vessels on the resupply mission, the Unaizah Mae 1.
The Philippines then filed a diplomatic protest against China following the incident.
But China said CCG’s moves against Philippine vessels in the disputed South China Sea were “professional” and “restrained,” adding it had “lodged stern representations” with Manila.