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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider China tells Germany it has no right to interfere in SCS dispute

China tells Germany it has no right to interfere in SCS dispute

Published Jan 12, 2024 05:25 am

The Chinese Embassy in Manila has told Germany’s top diplomat that countries outside of the region could not meddle in the South China Sea dispute after the latter said the current sea row is also a concern for Europe.

"No non-regional country has the right to interfere in the maritime disputes between China and the Philippines," the X page of the Chinese embassy said as it also tagged the X accounts of German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock and the Germany Embassy in Manila.

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German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock pays a courtesy visit on the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Thursday, January 11. (Arnold Quizol/MANILA BULLETIN)

The embassy made the remark as it also reiterated China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning's take on Baerbock's comment about the sea dispute.

In her press briefing on Thursday, Jan. 11, Mao said China's position over the South China Sea is "clear and consistent" and that it is committed "to properly handling disputes through dialogue and consultation with countries concerned, and would like to work with ASEAN countries" for peace and stability.

"That being said, China will firmly safeguard its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests. No non-regional country has the right to interfere in the maritime disputes between China and the Philippines," Mao added.

On Thursday, Baerbock held a joint press conference with Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Enrique Manalo after their bilateral talk, where they discussed various issues, including the South China Sea.

Baerbock said China's activities, including the laser pointing, the water cannon attack and the dangerous maneuvers against Philippine personnel, were a point of concern for Europe, as such activities "violate the rights" for economic development.

"They also call into question the freedom of navigation...and international law, affecting all countries worldwide," Baerbock added.

Baerbock then rejected China's claim over the West Philippine Sea, a part of the South China Sea, as she said the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) speaks a "clear language" about a country's exclusive economic zone and the 2016 Arbitral Award was also "crystal clear" in its ruling.

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South China Sea Annalena Baerbock Chinese Embassy in Manila
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