At this year's Munich Security Conference, tensions flared as the U.S. and China clashed over the ongoing disputes in the South China Sea. 🇺🇸🇨🇳
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Philippines Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo to discuss strengthening the U.S.-Philippine alliance against what Rubio described as China's \"destabilizing actions\" in the region. Their first in-person meeting in Germany highlighted the heightened focus on maritime security in the Indo-Pacific.
Meanwhile, China voiced strong concerns during the panel discussion \"Making Waves: Maritime Tensions in the Indo-Pacific.\" Former Deputy Foreign Minister Fu Ying emphasized that China would not tolerate the occupation of the Philippine military vessel BRP Sierra Madre, which has been anchored on the Ren'ai Jiao reef in the Nansha Islands since 1999. Fu Ying called the presence of the ship a violation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC).
The BRP Sierra Madre has been a point of contention, with Manila reinforcing the ship to establish a more permanent foothold. China's stance was clear: such actions undermine regional stability and violate international agreements.
As global powers navigate these complex waters, the Munich Security Conference continues to serve as a critical platform for dialogue and strategic discussions. 🌏⚓
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
