Beijing, Philippines spar over South China Sea claims during Munich conference
At the Munich Security Conference, tensions flared between China and the Philippines over the South China Sea. Former Chinese Deputy Foreign Minister Fu Ying stated that Beijing cannot accept the Philippines occupying Second Thomas Shoal and Sabina Shoal, citing violations of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea. This declaration, signed by China and ASEAN countries, includes a pledge to avoid actions that complicate disputes, particularly building on uninhabited features.
Fu Ying claimed the declaration's language was weakened at Manila's request to secure their signature. China has specifically denounced the Philippines' efforts to reinforce the BRP Sierra Madre, a deliberately grounded World War II-era ship on the Second Thomas Shoal, as unacceptable. These ongoing disputes highlight the persistent challenges in managing maritime claims and maintaining stability in the region.
via SCMP Full Text Feed
At the Munich Security Conference, tensions flared between China and the Philippines over the South China Sea. Former Chinese Deputy Foreign Minister Fu Ying stated that Beijing cannot accept the Philippines occupying Second Thomas Shoal and Sabina Shoal, citing violations of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea. This declaration, signed by China and ASEAN countries, includes a pledge to avoid actions that complicate disputes, particularly building on uninhabited features.
Fu Ying claimed the declaration's language was weakened at Manila's request to secure their signature. China has specifically denounced the Philippines' efforts to reinforce the BRP Sierra Madre, a deliberately grounded World War II-era ship on the Second Thomas Shoal, as unacceptable. These ongoing disputes highlight the persistent challenges in managing maritime claims and maintaining stability in the region.
via SCMP Full Text Feed
