South China Sea: China blasts Philippines for ignoring Beijing as tensions rise

South China Sea: China blasts Philippines for ignoring Beijing as tensions rise

WATCH: South China sea tensions ramp up after boats clash in waters

GB New
Georgina Cutler

By Georgina Cutler


Published: 13/03/2024

- 20:12

Maritime confrontations between Manila and Beijing have become a regular feature in the South China Sea

China has taken aim at the Philippines for "ignoring" proposals to "manage" their dispute in the South China Sea.

The deal was "met with inaction by the Marcos administration", according to a senior Chinese official.


However, president Ferdinand Marcos Jr claimed they did not reject the deal but stood on a "questionable" premise.

Maritime confrontations between Manila and Beijing have become a regular feature in the South China Sea, as both countries assert their territorial claims in the highly strategic waters.

Chinese ships

China has took aim at the Philippines for 'ignoring' proposals to 'manage' their dispute in the South China Sea

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At the centre on the dispute, a decaying ship on Second Thomas Shoal that the Philippines have purposely marooned to reinforce its claim in the shoal.

An unnamed senior Chinese official told The Manila Times that Beijing proposed the deal last April but was rejected.

The plans reportedly included allowing Filipino resupply missions to the Second Thomas Shoal, but it must involve just one ship that does not deliver large-scale building materials.

The Philippines' Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has denied the allegations.

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A spokesperson said that while some of China's proposals were "workable", others were "contrary to our national interests".

Marcos added: "We have not rejected any proposals that China has made to us but the premise is something that we questioned... that premise that China has made is that their territory follows what is now described as a 10 dash line."

Earlier this month, the Philippines accused China of using water cannons against a supply vessel, damaging part of the ship.

Officials in Manila claimed the supply vessel, which was on a routine resupply mission in the South China Sea was targeted by two Chinese Coast Guard vessels.

\u200bPresident Ferdinand Marcos Jr

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr claimed he did not reject the deal but stood on a 'questionable' premise

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The Philippines' task force on the South China Sea said the water cannon incident shattered the supply boat's windshield and caused minor injuries to its crew.

Last October saw Chinese ships blocking and colliding with two Filipino vessels off Second Thomas Shoal.

The Philippines in response accused China of “illegal and dangerous” behaviour and called upon Beijing’s ambassador to visit the country.

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