The Munich Security Conference, typically a forum for addressing global conflicts like Ukraine and Gaza, became a stage for escalating U.S.-China tensions this week. During bilateral talks, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Philippines Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo pledged to strengthen their alliance against what they called China’s \\"destabilizing actions\\" in the South China Sea.
China’s former Deputy Foreign Minister Fu Ying fired back during a panel discussion, emphasizing Beijing’s stance on the disputed Ren’ai Jiao reef. The Philippine military vessel BRP Sierra Madre, grounded there since 1999, has become a flashpoint. Manila’s recent efforts to reinforce the ship as a permanent outpost violate regional agreements, Fu argued, including the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea.
Analysts warn the U.S. shadow over these disputes risks inflaming regional instability. Over 60% of global maritime trade passes through the South China Sea, making it a strategic chokepoint. As geopolitical fault lines deepen, observers urge dialogue to prevent miscalculations.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
