China-Philippines relations are facing “serious difficulties and challenges,” with the Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi blaming the Philippine side for these issues.
“It is not easy to build good relations, but it is easy to destroy them,” Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi declared.
According to the minister, the Philippines “has repeatedly violated the consensus of the two sides and its own commitments, continuously pushed the infringement of rights at sea, and magnified the speculation of public opinion.”
Wang warned the “positive and negative lessons of China-Philippines relations in recent years have proved time and again that it is not easy to build good relations, but it is easy to destroy them” during a meeting with Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo in Vientiane.
Wang cautioned that the possibility of welcoming the US intermediate missile system will escalate tensions and could trigger an arms race.
“If the Philippines introduces the US intermediate missile system, it will create regional tension and confrontation, triggering an arms race, which is totally not in line with the interests and aspirations of the Filipino people,” Wang said.
Regarding the arrangement with the Philippines on the resupply mission to BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal, Wang postulated that it only permitted the Philippines to do so as a means for the “Philippine side to fulfill its commitments and refrain from changing its position.”
Otherwise, he noted, “China will definitely respond resolutely.”
While the DFA has not yet clarified what the Chinese Foreign Minister meant by referring to the Philippines’ position, whether it pertains to maintaining sovereign rights claims in the West Philippine Sea, Manalo reaffirmed the Philippines’ commitment to bridge the gap in bilateral ties with China.
He emphasized the importance of “dealing with differences constructively” through consultation and dialogue.
“The Philippines is prepared to implement the consensus,” Manalo said.
He highlighted that next year marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and China, emphasizing the country’s willingness to strengthen communication with China in a sincere and pragmatic manner to enhance mutual trust and improve bilateral relations.
