Chinese Foreign Minister: Relations with the Philippines stand at a "crossroads," and Manila must make the "right decision"

Beijing, July 22 (KUNA) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Wednesday that his country’s relations with the Philippines stand at a “crossroads,” urging Manila to make the “right and rational decision.” Xinhua News Agency reported that Wang Yi made these remarks during a meeting with his Philippine counterpart, Maria Lazaro, in Manila, as both attended a ministerial meeting on how to enhance cooperation among East Asian countries. Xinhua quoted Wang Yi as reaffirming China’s commitment to managing differences with the Philippines through “dialogue and consultation and maintaining stability,” while noting that bilateral relations had faced “continuous difficulties and challenges” in recent years.

The meeting came two days after new clashes occurred in waters near the disputed Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea, escalating tensions between the two countries. Xinhua reported that Wang Yi lodged strong protests against Lazaro during the meeting. The agency noted that Lazaro, for her part, expressed her country’s hope to seek appropriate solutions to maritime issues through dialogue, aiming to improve bilateral relations, and reaffirmed Manila’s commitment to its promises upon the establishment of diplomatic ties, including adherence to the “One-China” policy.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry summoned the Philippine ambassador to Beijing on Tuesday to deliver a formal protest memorandum over the clashes that took place near Scarborough Shoal. (End) S.L.Q / M.A.A