MyoTaw: China and Philippines Summon Envoys Over South China Sea Clash

China and Philippines Summon Ambassadors in Reciprocal Moves After South China Sea Clash

July 21

Following a clash in disputed waters of the South China Sea and mutual accusations between the two countries, China summoned the Philippine ambassador in Beijing, while Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. also summoned the Chinese ambassador in Manila, according to the Philippine presidential office.

This reciprocal summoning occurred after a bilateral confrontation near the Second Thomas Shoal on July 20.

The Philippine side stated that Chinese forces struck a Philippine navy personnel on the head with a wooden baton, causing injury, and also damaged a rubber boat. Additionally, the Philippine military denied Chinese allegations, asserting that the Philippines did not initiate the confrontation.

China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs responded by claiming that the Philippines initiated the clash first, and is now making counter-accusations, distorting facts, and deliberately escalating the situation.

The Chinese Coast Guard also stated that Philippine rubber boats rammed a Chinese patrol vessel and used poles and long sticks to attack Chinese officials first.

While tensions over territorial disputes in the South China Sea frequently occur between the two nations, the reciprocal summoning of ambassadors is a relatively rare diplomatic action.

Under President Marcos' administration, this marks the third time China has summoned the Philippine ambassador, while President Marcos last summoned the Chinese ambassador in 2023, following an incident where a Chinese Coast Guard vessel allegedly aimed a military-grade laser at a Philippine Coast Guard ship.


Ref & Photo; Reuters

MyoTaw News Channel