Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Chen Xiaodong and the Chinese Embassy in the Philippines filed formal complaints with Philippine authorities on Monday regarding recent unauthorized entry by Philippine vessels into waters near Ren’ai Jiao.
Experts speaking to the Global Times suggest that tensions in the South China Sea are expected to escalate further, particularly with perceived backing from the United States for Philippine actions.
The Philippines dispatched a supply vessel and two Coast Guard ships to Ren’ai Jiao without Chinese authorization on Saturday, despite strong objections from China. The vessels attempted to deliver construction materials to a military vessel unlawfully stationed at Ren’ai Jiao.
In a phone conversation on Monday, Vice Foreign Minister Chen Xiaodong conveyed China’s grave concerns to Philippine Foreign Undersecretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro, emphasizing that the Philippines’ actions aim to establish a permanent military presence on uninhabited islands and reefs, a violation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) and China’s territorial sovereignty.
The Chinese Embassy in the Philippines also lodged a formal protest, highlighting the China Coast Guard’s lawful actions in intercepting and expelling the intruding vessels.
China asserts its indisputable sovereignty over the Nansha Islands, including Ren’ai Jiao, and its adjacent waters. The embassy reiterated that China rejects the 2016 arbitration award as illegal.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian reiterated China’s demand for the Philippines to cease its provocations, warning of continued measures to protect territorial sovereignty and maritime rights.
Observers suggest that the Philippines’ recent actions are not isolated but part of a broader strategy supported by the US and its allies. The US Deputy Secretary of State, along with officials from Japan and the Philippines, met in Tokyo days before the conflict erupted, hinting at coordinated efforts.
Responding to US support for the Philippines, China criticized US interference in regional disputes, accusing it of disrupting peace and stability.
Director Chen Xiangmiao of the World Navy Research Center noted that these incidents risk prolonged tensions in the South China Sea, as the Philippines appears emboldened by US backing.
While acknowledging ongoing communication channels between China and the Philippines, Chen stressed China’s openness to negotiations to manage differences and rebuild trust.