Beijing warns Philippines to ‘proceed with caution’ after latest South China Sea stand-off
- Foreign vice-minister Chen Xiaodong warns that relations are ‘at a crossroads’ and says Manila must pay ‘serious attention to China’s concerns’
- The warning follows the latest confrontation at the disputed Second Thomas Shoal, where the Philippines accused China of ‘aggressive’ behaviour
Both sides lodged diplomatic protests, but Chen issued the further warning in a phone conversation with the Philippine undersecretary for foreign affairs Maria Theresa Lazaro.
“China-Philippines relations are at a crossroads, and the Philippines must proceed with caution as to where it wants to go,” Chen told Lazaro, according to a statement from the Chinese foreign ministry.
“China once again demands that the Philippines pays serious attention to China’s concerns, steps back from the brink [and] returns to the right track of properly resolving differences through negotiation and consultation with China as soon as possible.”
China complained that over the weekend the Philippines had sent two coastguard vessels and a supply ship to “transport construction materials” to an old warship grounded on the reef.