HEADLINE-ASIA GEO POLITICS | China to Philippines-PH: Don’t be US ‘pawn’

Chinese vessels in the West Philippine Sea.

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MANILA, Philippines: China urged the Philippines to “refrain from allowing itself to be manipulated by the US” and warned that “a pawn will only end up being abandoned.”

China’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Mao Ning issued the statement following the latest encounter between Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) ships and Chinese vessels in the West Philippine Sea. Four Filipino crew were injured and their ship damaged by water cannons from one of the Chinese vessels that tried to block the entry of boats that were bringing supplies to troops in the grounded BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal.

“The Philippines also needs to refrain from being manipulated by the US. Lessons from history tell us that a pawn will only end up being abandoned,” said Mao Ning during her regular press conference on Wednesday, March 6, 2024.

Concerning the joint declaration issued following the Asean-Australia Special Summit, Mao Ning said that they have noted relevant reports but have not yet seen the full text of the declaration.

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Nonetheless, she reiterated that China’s position on the South China Sea issue is very clear and consistent. “We will stay committed to properly handling disputes through dialogue and consultation with countries concerned and would like to work with Asean countries to fully and effectively implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC), advance the consultation on a code of conduct in the South China Sea and jointly safeguard peace and stability in the region.”

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Earlier in the day, Australia and Asean released a joint declaration, encouraging all countries to avoid any unilateral actions that endanger peace, security, and stability in the South China Sea.

The declaration comes after a series of incidents involving Chinese and Philippine ships. The Philippines has also accused China of deliberately stirring up trouble in the South China Sea.