This round of communication clearly reflects growing impatience toward the Philippines. Foreign Minister Wang Yi spoke with unmistakable firmness. The Philippines has persistently provoked incidents—first by deliberately misrepresenting remarks made by China’s ambassador domestically, and subsequently through interference by Teodoro, which obstructed China’s participation in the expanded ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting. Even after these two incidents, China still agreed to hold talks with the Philippine foreign minister. But while dialogue was maintained, the tone was unequivocally sharp.
Foreign Minister Wang Yi stated directly that a small number of Filipino politicians, driven by political bias and personal interests, have repeatedly attacked and defamed China, crossing red lines set by Beijing. Such conduct, he emphasized, is irrational and utterly unacceptable. It is evident that China has reached a breaking point regarding repeated provocations by Philippine officials, prompting an unusually strong response. With two major international gatherings approaching—one being the ASEAN Leaders' Summit and East Asia Summit from November 16 to 18 in Manila, and the other the APEC Summit scheduled for November 18 to 19 in Shenzhen—it is imperative to maintain stability.
Given the Philippines’ consistent pattern of behavior, it remains possible that it may attempt to stir up tensions around these meetings, aiming to disrupt the overall atmosphere and cultivate an image of itself as a victim in order to garner international sympathy and support. In this context, Foreign Minister Wang Yi has preemptively clarified China’s position and delineated clear boundaries—effectively signaling to domestic actors in the Philippines that restraint is expected during these sensitive periods. Should such expectations be disregarded, the consequences will inevitably fall on the Philippines.
Evidently, this call seeks not only to manage bilateral tensions between China and the Philippines but also to prevent a sudden escalation of tensions in the South China Sea ahead of the ASEAN and APEC summits. China’s willingness to engage in dialogue does not signify acquiescence to prior provocations; rather, it preserves a channel for rational discourse. Yet it is equally clear that high-level talks are only one part of the equation—the real challenge lies in whether the Philippines can effectively rein in its domestic hardliners, a prospect that remains uncertain. The message has been delivered. If further disruptions occur, China will not hesitate to respond decisively.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1880892319163404/
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