China, Philippines clash over South China Sea at Munich Conference
Tensions flared at the Munich Security Conference as Chinese and Philippine diplomats clashed over territorial claims in the South China Sea. Beijing rejected Manila’s claims, while the Philippines accused China of aggressive tactics. US and Australian concerns highlight the region’s volatility amid fears of a broader conflict.
News Arena Network - Munich - UPDATED: February 16, 2025, 11:35 AM - 2 min read
China’s former deputy foreign minister, Fu Ying (L), Secretary of Foreign Affairs of the PhilippinesEnrique Manalo (R).
With the Ukraine war dominating discussions at this year's Munich Security Conference, territorial tensions over the South China Sea flared as diplomats from China and the Philippines engaged in a heated exchange to assert their positions in the region.
China’s former deputy foreign minister, Fu Ying, during a panel discussion, reiterated that Beijing would not tolerate any claims from the Philippines over parts of the South China Sea, insisting that they belong to mainland China.
“China cannot agree to the Philippines occupying Second Thomas Shoal and Sabina Shoal, because that is a violation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea,” Fu said.
Further actions by Manila, including construction efforts to reinforce the BRP Sierra Madre—a World War II-era tank landing ship deliberately positioned on the Second Thomas Shoal in 1999—have been denounced by Beijing as unacceptable.
However, the Philippine diplomat criticised Chinese aggression in the region, alleging that Beijing had used water cannons to prevent Manila from reinforcing the Sierra Madre and maintaining its territorial claims.
Meanwhile, Chinese forces are reportedly waiting for the ship to disintegrate, which would allow Beijing to assert its claim over the disputed territory.
The Philippine representative at the conference remarked, “The best way to reduce tensions in the South China Sea is for countries that have signed agreements, such as UNCLOS, to abide by them. But that is not the case,” adding that “rich, powerful” nations exploit their strength to impose their laws on weaker countries, leading to greater contention.
Recent incidents involving Chinese military assets in the South China Sea have not been limited to the Philippines.
Last week, Australia accused Chinese military aircraft of releasing flares within 30 meters of an Australian plane conducting "routine surveillance" of the contested waterway.
Referencing the incident, US Senator Christopher Coons, who also participated in the discussion, emphasised the need for open communication between Washington and Beijing, especially given the volatile encounters in the region.
The South China Sea remains a critical flashpoint, with growing fears that rising tensions between China and its neighbours could escalate into a broader conflict involving major international powers like the United States and Russia.
Follow us
