On March 3, the Chinese Embassy in the Philippines said that Beijing “strongly” condemned recent statements related to China by the Philippine Ambassador to the US, saying that these statements “disregard the facts”. basic”.
US coast guard ships (left) and the Philippines move close to each other during an exercise in the East Sea in 2021. (Source: Pentagon)
In a statement, the Chinese Embassy emphasized that the Philippine Ambassador’s comments “intentionally exaggerated the East Sea issue and made malicious speculations and smears against China.”
Previously on February 28, Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel Romualdez said that while Washington sees both the East Sea issue and the potential conflict in Taiwan (China) as “serious concerns”, he believes that “the real hot spot 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 protect Manila in the event of an armed attack. But Mr. Romualdez also said that implementing this treaty will come at a price.
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, supported from outside, has cast aside China’s goodwill and restraint, and continuously challenged China’s principles and red lines,” China’s Foreign Ministry said.
(theo Reuters)
