Philippine, Chinese foreign ministers trade protests over South China Sea encounter

The foreign ministers of the Philippines and China met in Manila, with both officials lodging strong protests following a recent encounter between their countries' vessels in the disputed South China Sea.

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unacceptable actions against Filipino personnel

Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Maria Theresa Lazaro stated she reiterated a protest against "unacceptable actions against Filipino personnel." Conversely, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi lodged a protest over what China's foreign ministry described as "the Philippine personnel's egregious act of ramming Chinese law-enforcement vessels."

The incident on Monday near the Second Thomas Shoal has further strained bilateral relations, which have seen repeated maritime confrontations. The Philippines reported that Chinese Coast Guard personnel struck a Filipino navy staff member with a wooden baton. China, however, claimed Philippine personnel attacked first and accused Philippine vessels of ramming a Chinese patrol boat.

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the Philippine personnel's egregious act of ramming Chinese law-enforcement vessels

During the meeting, Wang told Lazaro that China-Philippines relations were at a crossroads. He urged the Philippines to make a "correct and rational" choice regarding its future path, while also accusing "certain forces" within the Philippine military and police of deliberate provocations that undermine dialogue and follow "the orders of external forces."

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China-Philippines relations stood at a crossroads, and that the Philippines needed to make a "correct and rational" choice regarding its future direction

Lazaro emphasized the importance of maintaining open communication lines, managing tensions, and pursuing practical solutions, according to a readout.

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certain forces" within the Philippine military and police of deliberate provocations, undermining dialogue and "carrying out the orders of external forces