Philippine National Security Adviser Eduardo Ano has demanded the immediate expulsion of Chinese diplomats allegedly behind a reported leak of a phone conversation between a Chinese diplomat and a Filipino admiral regarding South China Sea disputes. Ano supported the call made by the Philippine defense chief for Manila’s foreign office to take action against Chinese embassy individuals in violation of Philippine laws and international diplomatic protocols. The leaked conversation reportedly involved a new agreement on transporting supplies to a Philippine-occupied shoal in the disputed waters, which required notification to Beijing and a promise not to bring construction materials.
Ano issued a strongly worded statement condemning the actions of the Chinese Embassy in Manila, accusing them of engaging in and disseminating disinformation, misinformation, and malign interference operations. He called for the immediate removal of the individuals responsible for violating Philippine laws and the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. The escalating tensions have been fueled by hostilities between Chinese and Philippine coast guard ships, resulting in minor collisions, injuries to Filipino navy personnel, and damage to their supply boats. The Philippine government has lodged repeated protests with Chinese embassy diplomats in Manila over these incidents.
Both the Chinese government and its embassy in Manila have neither confirmed nor denied the news reports regarding the leaked phone conversation. In response, China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian criticized the Philippines for allegedly lacking confidence in the face of facts and evidence, and for reaching a point of frustration. He demanded that the Philippines allow Chinese diplomats to perform their duties without hindrance and refrain from denial of facts or indiscreet actions. The tensions in the South China Sea involve multiple countries, including Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan, with overlapping claims in the strategic waterway that is a key trade route.
The situation in the South China Sea has drawn attention from President Joe Biden and his administration, who have repeatedly stated the U.S. commitment to defending the Philippines, its longtime treaty ally, in case of armed attacks against Filipino forces, ships, and aircraft. The potential for a major escalation of conflicts in the region has raised concerns about a collision course between U.S. and Chinese military forces. The disputes in the South China Sea involve complex territorial claims and strategic interests, with Chinese actions such as using water cannons and military-grade lasers exacerbating tensions with neighboring countries. The call for the expulsion of Chinese diplomats in Manila reflects the intensifying diplomatic row and the deepening mistrust between the two countries.
