China has escalated its diplomatic pushback against the Philippines following a recent maritime clash near Ren'ai Jiao, a disputed reef in the South China Sea. 🇨🇳⚓️ Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Chen Xiaodong called Philippine Foreign Undersecretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro on Monday, demanding an immediate halt to what Beijing calls \"provocative actions.\"
🔍 What Happened? On March 23, the Philippines reportedly sent two coast guard ships and a supply vessel to deliver construction materials to a military ship grounded at Ren'ai Jiao since 1999. Chen accused Manila of violating China's \"territorial sovereignty\" and warned that such moves \"undermine regional peace.\"
🗣️ China's Stance: Beijing asserts \"indisputable sovereignty\" over Nansha Qundao (Spratly Islands), including Ren'ai Jiao. \"The Philippines' repeated provocations are the root cause of rising tensions,\" Chen stated, urging Manila to return to negotiations.
📜 Legal Clash: Tensions worsened as China criticized the Philippines' proposed \"Maritime Zones Act,\" which Beijing claims enforces a 2016 international ruling rejected by China. The legislation could escalate disputes over islands like Huangyan Dao (Scarborough Shoal).
⚖️ What's Next? China vows \"necessary measures\" to protect its interests, while urging dialogue. With both sides digging in, this latest flare-up adds fuel to one of Asia's most volatile geopolitical chessboards. 🌏♟️
