China Warns Philippines: South China Sea Dispute Heating Up

The spokesperson cites Chinese idiom implying ‘realizing the danger and coming to one’s senses’
A phrase used to warn of diplomatic retaliation strongly

China, embroiled in a territorial dispute over the South China Sea with the Philippines, has hinted at strong retaliation.

As per a report by Yonhap News on the 26th, Mao Ning, a spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, conveyed in a briefing the day prior that “China’s determination to safeguard its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests has never wavered.” Furthermore, they remarked that The Philippines had initiated provocations and enlisted external support. Mao Ning continued, “China will take all necessary measures to protect the inviolability of the territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests.”

He further warned the Philippines not to stray too far from the wrong path, advising them to “Xuányálèmǎ.” Xuányálèmǎ is a term China uses to strongly warn of diplomatic retaliation, meaning to wake up to and escape disaster at the last moment.

China’s state-run media, the People’s Daily, also criticized the Philippines. The People’s Daily warned, “Provocations that ignore China’s goodwill and restraint are extremely dangerous,” and “If the Philippines misjudges the situation, acts stubbornly, or even colludes with unfriendly external forces to continue causing problems, China will definitely protect its rights according to the law and respond firmly.”

China and the Philippines have long conflicted over the sovereignty of the South China Sea. Recently, tensions have escalated as China has been installing floating obstacles on the reefs in the South China Sea, or physical collisions have occurred between the vessels of the two countries.

By. Dae Young Ko