SINUPALPAL ng Department of Foreign Affairs si Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi sa pagsasabing isang “mere theatre” lamang ang mga developments at insidente sa South China Sea.

“The Philippines disagrees with the recent remarks of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi characterizing the developments and incidents in the South China Sea as mere theatre staged under the direction of other countries,” pahayag ng DFA.

“China should recognize that the Philippines is an independent and sovereign state whose actions and decisions are driven entirely by national interest and the interests and well-being of the Filipino people,” pahayag ng DFA.

Ayon sa DFA, walang katotohanan ang mga paratang ni Chinese official.

“No creative analogy or play of words will mask the real issue, which is China’s refusal to abide by international law, particularly the 1982 UNCLOS and the 2016 Arbitral Award, and the adverse effects of China’s disregard for the rules-based international order on Filipino communities genuinely affected by China’s illegal, coercive, aggressive and deceptive behavior at sea,” saad ng DFA.

Kasabay nito, nanawagan ang DFA sa ibang bansa na maghinay hinay sa pagsasalita at paggawa ng mga aksyon na makapagpapalala aa tensyon sa rehiyon.

Matatandaang naging agresibo ang China sa South China Sea.