China Blames Philippines
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian accused the Philippines of provoking Monday’s confrontation between Chinese and Philippine personnel near Second Thomas Shoal, known in China as Ren’ai Jiao, during a press conference in Beijing on Tuesday.
“On July 20, while the China Coast Guard was conducting routine law enforcement operations near Ren’ai Jiao, the Philippine warship—which is illegally grounded there—deliberately dispatched two small boats to approach and ram Chinese vessels in a dangerous manner and violently assaulted Chinese law enforcement personnel,” Lin said.
“Subsequently, however, the Philippine side distorted the facts, made false accusations, and hyped up the incident […] This morning, China lodged solemn representations with the Philippine Ambassador to China,” he continued, warning that Manila would ‘bear all the consequences’.
South China Sea Dispute
Second Thomas Shoal lies about 194 kilometres west of the Philippine island of Palawan, within the country’s 200-nautical-mile exclusive economic zone. China and the Philippines both claim the area, which forms part of the wider territorial dispute in the Spratly Islands.
A tribunal in The Hague ruled in 2016 that there was no legal basis for China to claim historic rights to resources within areas covered by its nine-dash line beyond its entitlements under international law. Beijing rejected this finding and continues to claim the shoal, while Manila maintains a military presence on the grounded warship.
ASEAN Talks Continue
Asked whether the latest confrontation could affect China’s neighbourhood diplomacy and ASEAN meetings in Manila, Lin said maritime disputes should not overshadow regional cooperation.
“Whenever communication and interaction are possible […] or whenever there are important diplomatic agendas in the region, certain forces always jump out to provoke trouble by exploiting maritime issues. What, then, is the truth behind all this? Who is the mastermind behind this? I believe everyone can see it clearly,” he said, appearing to point to external involvement.
“The Philippines should earnestly fulfil its responsibilities as the ASEAN chair and promote dialogue and cooperation, rather than placing its own political interests above regional peace and stability,” Lin added.
The Philippines is hosting the 59th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and related talks in Manila until July 24 as the bloc’s 2026 chair. Ministers are also meeting key dialogue partners, including the United States, China and Russia.
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