China Urges Philippines to Exercise Caution in South China Sea Dispute

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has cautioned the Philippines to exercise restraint in their ongoing South China Sea dispute, according to a statement from China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The warning came during a phone call on Tuesday night with Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs Theresa Lazaro, who described the discussion as "frank and constructive." The two diplomats addressed the direction of their bilateral relationship amid rising tensions over overlapping territorial claims in the strategic waterway.

Wang accused certain Filipino politicians of causing "malicious interference" in the relationship and urged the Philippines to "strengthen restraints on the relevant people" and to "speak with a unified, reasonable voice on policy towards China." He also emphasized that Manila should be "cautious in their words and deeds" regarding the South China Sea. The call followed a recent exchange of sharp remarks, including the Philippine defense secretary calling China a "troublemaker" and China's ambassador to Manila responding that such comments were "nonsense."

Despite the strong language, both sides agreed to maintain diplomatic dialogue and properly manage their differences based on mutual respect, according to Lazaro's post on X. The Chinese statement also confirmed that the two countries would continue talking. The conversation touched on the possible resumption of long-stalled negotiations over joint oil and gas exploration in the Reed Bank, an offshore area claimed by both nations but located within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone, according to a Philippine official who spoke on condition of anonymity.

The South China Sea has been a flashpoint for years, with China and the Philippines engaging in physical clashes between sailors and collisions between navy vessels. The recent war of words has further strained ties, prompting concerns about stability in the region. China's ambassador to Manila had said that while China could easily use force, it would not choose that path and loves peace—a remark that Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said sounded like a threat.

The phone call between Wang and Lazaro signals a mutual willingness to keep communication channels open despite the heated rhetoric. Both sides have emphasized the importance of diplomatic engagement to prevent further escalation. The potential revival of joint energy exploration talks could offer a pathway for cooperation, though previous attempts have stalled over sovereignty issues. The Reed Bank, known as Recto Bank in the Philippines, is believed to hold significant natural gas reserves.