Manila: The Philippines on Monday dismissed remarks by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi that incidents in the South China Sea are “staged under the direction of other countries,” the Philippine News Agency reported. The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs asserted that the Philippines is an independent and sovereign state, emphasizing that its actions and decisions are guided exclusively by national interests.

According to Anadolu Agency, the statement from the Philippines followed China’s earlier comparison of the South China Sea dispute to a ‘shadow play,’ cautioning that ‘those acting as others’ chess pieces are bound to be discarded.’ Wang Yi had alleged that external forces have been scripting the Philippines’ actions in the sea, with intentions to damage China’s image.

The Department of Foreign Affairs responded firmly, stating, “No creative analogy or play of words will mask the real issue, which is China’s refusal to abide by international law, particularly the 1982 UNCLOS (United Nations Conve
ntion on the Law of the Sea).” The department further highlighted that China’s “illegal, coercive, aggressive and deceptive behavior at sea” negatively impacts the Philippines.