The Philippines has escalated diplomatic tensions with China, summoning the Chinese ambassador on Monday and hinting at the potential expulsion of the envoy.
This move follows intense maritime confrontations at key reefs in the contested South China Sea, marking some of the most severe conflicts between the two nations’ vessels in recent years.
A notable incident involved a collision between the Philippines and China’s boats near Second Thomas Shoal, a site where a small contingent of Filipino troops is based on a beached warship.
Both countries have since exchanged accusations regarding the incident. General Romeo Brawner, the Philippines’ military chief, was reportedly on the Filipino supply vessel involved in the collision.
Teresita Daza, a spokeswoman for the Philippines’ foreign ministry, confirmed that diplomatic complaints had been lodged and mentioned the summoning of Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian. She also stated that the option of declaring Huang “persona non grata” in the Philippines was under serious consideration.
Jonathan Malaya, the assistant director general of the National Security Council, described China’s actions – including ramming and using water cannons against Filipino boats and employing a long-range acoustic device – as a significant escalation in tactics.
In response, China’s foreign ministry defended its coast guard’s actions as “professional” and “restrained,” and expressed strong objections to Manila. The China Coast Guard accused a Philippine supply boat of intentionally colliding with its vessel despite repeated stern warnings.
China’s expansive claims over almost the entire South China Sea, which disregard an international tribunal’s ruling against their legal basis, have been a longstanding source of tension. China‘s deployment of boats for patrolling the waterway and the construction of militarized artificial islands further reinforce its territorial claims.
The US State Department urged China to stop its “dangerous and destabilizing” actions in the region. Additionally, foreign diplomats in Manila have criticized China’s conduct.
Analysts view the recent confrontations as the most severe in years between Philippine and Chinese vessels, foreseeing a rise in tensions. Song Zhongping, a Chinese military analyst, attributed the escalation to US support for the Philippines, which he believes is encouraging Manila to challenge China.
Michael Raska, a military expert at Singapore’s Nanyang Technological University, suggested that China’s maneuvers aim to test both Philippine resolve and US commitment in the region.
