Beijing/Manila: – Chinese President Xi Jinping made a ridiculous claim ‘China never tries to dominate or bully the smaller countries nor tries to encroach on their land.’ But the Philippines President Roberto Duterte showed the mirror to China in the ASEAN meeting presided over by China. President Duterte said that last week, the Chinese ships intruding into the Philippines marine region were deplorable.
The cooperation of the ‘Association of the South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) with China, completed three decades. On this occasion, a virtual meeting of the ASEAN countries was held in the Chinese capital of Beijing. On Monday, Chinese President Xi Jinping, while inaugurating the meeting, said that China shares cordial relations with the ASEAN countries. At the same time, Jinping made a statement that China has neither dominated and bullied nor has encroached on the territories of its neighbours.
Philippines President Roberto Duterte also was present for the meeting. While presenting his country’s stand, he mentioned the intrusion of Chinese ships into the marine region of the Philippines. President Duterte criticised the intrusion of the Chinese vessels saying ‘The even in the Ayungin (Second Thomas Shoal) marine region is deplorable. This and other such incidents are increasing concerns for the Philippines.’ President Duterte warned that this incident is not conducive for the relations and cooperation between the Philippines and China.
Last week, two Filipino ships sailed through the Thomas Shoal sector, carrying supplies for its soldiers deployed in the region. At this time, the Chinese coast guard ships intercepted these ships and used water jets against them. The Filipino ships retreated at that time. But on Monday, after President Duterte lambasted China, the Philippines has again despatched its ships to the Thomas Shoal region.
It is not clear if Chinese President Xi Jinping was present in the meeting when the Filipino President criticised China. But the issue is making headlines as President Duterte criticised China in a meeting presided over by China. Last week, Theodore Locsin Jr., the Foreign Minister of the Philippines, criticised that the Chinese ships’ intrusion and action in the Philippines marine region were illegal.
At the same time, Locsin also reminded of the defence agreement signed between the Philippines and the United States. As per the agreement, the United States can intervene militarily to safeguard the interests of the Philippines. Therefore, Locsin indicated that the Philippines would seek US assistance if China challenged its security.
Meanwhile, it is claimed that the South East Asian countries are adopting an open stand against China. Just two days ago, ASEAN criticised China, which is supporting the Junta regime in Myanmar. Therefore, the discontent against China seems to be increasing in the ASEAN countries.
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