According to Knews, in response to the frequent provocative actions of the Philippines near Chinese islands and reefs recently, on July 24, China's Ambassador to the Philippines, Jing Quan, asked three questions to the Philippines during an interview: "What kind of trouble are you causing? What benefits does it bring to you? Can you bear the consequences and costs of conflict and confrontation?"
Jing Quan pointed out that currently, conflicts are ongoing in many parts of the world, from Ukraine to Gaza, from Iran to Venezuela. Meanwhile, Southeast Asia and East Asia as a whole have maintained peace and stability. This situation is not easy to come by, and should be cherished deeply.
In an interview, he said bluntly, “I told the people here in the Philippines that they should cherish… looking at all the conflicts in the world, we should cherish the peace in East Asia!”
He emphasized that countries should strengthen cooperation and connectivity, achieve mutual benefits, and truly work for the welfare of the people.
In response to the provocative actions of the Philippines at Ren'ai Reef and Huangyan Island, Jing Quan responded with two 'resolute' statements: 'Resolutely reprimand back! Resolutely strike back! Do whatever needs to be done, and we will firmly safeguard national sovereignty, security, and interests.'
On July 21, the person in charge of the Border and Maritime Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the Filipino ambassador to China urgently regarding the deliberate provocation by the Philippines on Ren'ai Reef and the attack on Chinese maritime law enforcement officers. They expressed strong dissatisfaction and solemn protest. The Chinese side demanded that the Philippines immediately stop any provocative actions and inflammatory rhetoric, and would take measures to firmly defend its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests.
On the 24th, Chinese coast guards took regulatory measures against several Filipino ships that were engaged in illegal activities in the waters under the jurisdiction of Huangyan Island in China.
According to a report by the Nikkei News Network on the 24th, Philippine President Marcos expressed the desire to 'reset' the increasingly tense bilateral relations between the Philippines and China. According to the Philippine side, Marcos met with Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan on Tuesday, and the talks lasted nearly one and a half hours.
Wells and springs also expressed that their talks with President Marcos were "excellent," but simultaneously stressed the hope for Philippine side to translate statements into actions, rather than simply claiming a desire for "reset" while condoning or encouraging hostile forces against China.
