China Urges Philippines to Calm South China Sea Tensions
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi emphasized the need for collaborative efforts to manage the escalating situation in the South China Sea on Saturday. His statement came in response to the recent episode involving a Philippine vessel being sprayed near a reef close to the Spratly Islands, which triggered heightened tensions in the region.
During his diplomatic visits to Singapore and Malaysia, Wang Yi engaged in discussions about the current state of affairs in the South China Sea with his counterparts. As reported by Beijing's Xinhua News, Wang advocated for a shared approach to maintaining stability in the region.
Wang emphasized the importance of collaborative measures between China and the Philippines in finding effective ways to de-escalate tensions in the area. Highlighting China's consistent stance of seeking to address differences through dialogue, he urged the Philippines to uphold the consensus and mutual trust that have been fostered through the progression of bilateral relations.
The relationship between China and the Philippines has witnessed a decline, largely due to disagreements over maritime claims in the South China Sea. The recent incident involving the Chinese Coast Guard using water cannons on Philippine vessels exacerbated the situation, prompting a strong response from Manila.
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