MANILA. Tensions in the South China Sea reached new heights on Friday as the Philippines’ national security adviser urged the expulsion of Chinese diplomats following an alleged leak of a phone conversation with a Filipino admiral.
Eduardo Ano asserted that the Chinese embassy in Manila had engaged in orchestrated acts of disseminating disinformation, misinformation, and malinformation aimed at sowing discord. Ano emphasized that such actions could not go unpunished without serious repercussions.
In response, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian labeled Ano’s comments as provocative and demanded that Chinese diplomats be allowed to carry out their duties without obstruction. “China solemnly requests the Philippine side to effectively safeguard the normal performance of duties by Chinese diplomatic personnel,” Lin stated during a regular press briefing in Beijing.
The office of Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr and the foreign ministry have yet to issue statements regarding the matter.
The escalating tensions stem from a series of confrontations in disputed areas of the South China Sea over the past year. The Philippines, backed by support from the United States and other allies, has increased its activities in waters contested by China.
Ano’s call for the expulsion of diplomats follows a recent news report alleging a leaked phone call between a Chinese diplomat and a Filipino admiral. The transcript, published by the Manila Times, purportedly shows the admiral conceding to concessions with China regarding activities in the disputed Second Thomas Shoal.
While Reuters could not verify the contents of the transcript, Ano asserted that the individuals involved in recording the alleged conversation must be removed from the country immediately.
In response to Ano’s allegations, Lin reiterated China’s stance on the situation at the Second Thomas Shoal, emphasizing the release of “relevant communications” between the two countries. However, specifics regarding the content and timing of these communications were not disclosed.
The dispute over the Second Thomas Shoal dates back to Manila’s maintaining a small military presence aboard the Sierre Madre since 1999 to reinforce its territorial claim. China has repeatedly claimed that the Philippines agreed to remove the ship, a claim denied by Manila.
Manila-based political analyst Julio Amador supported the call for diplomatic expulsions, highlighting China’s disregard for diplomatic norms and trust. “Diplomacy is based on trust, yet China is trying to make it look like all meetings between its diplomats and Philippine government representatives are negotiations with binding results,” Amador commented.
As tensions continue to escalate, the expulsion of diplomats adds a new dimension to the longstanding dispute, underscoring the challenges in managing territorial claims and diplomatic relations in the South China Sea region.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
