The Foreign Ministry urged both nations to stop such “irresponsible actions” and to “sincerely respect the efforts of countries in the region to maintain peace and stability.”

Spokesman Wang Wenbin reiterated the Asian giant’s firm will to defend its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights, while reiterating the commitment to actively work to preserve tranquility in the South China Sea.

Recently, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said that relations with the Philippines “are in serious difficulties” because the island nation “has changed its political stance, failed to fulfill its commitments, constantly provoked incidents at sea and damaged Beijing’s legal rights”.

The chief diplomat added that ties “are at a crossroads” and that Manila “must act prudently.”

The deterioration of bilateral ties coincides with moves by the Philippines to strengthen military relations with Japan and the United States, its former colonial power and decades-long defense ally.

In 2022 Ferdinand Marcos Jr. came to power, who is betting on strengthening Manila’s ties with Washington.

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