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China has warned that it is at a “crossroads” with the Philippines as tensions continue to rise over territorial claims in the South China Sea. This follows new maritime confrontations involving each other’s coastguards.

The latest warning from China, conveyed by Vice Foreign Minister Chen Xiaodong to Philippine counterpart Theresa Lazaro, marks the second of its kind in the past three months. These warnings stem from escalating disputes over the Spratly Islands, an archipelago at the heart of the South China Sea’s territorial tensions. Lazaro communicated Manila’s strong disapproval of “the aggressive actions” by China’s maritime forces, reflecting the severity of the situation.

In response, Chen emphasized the importance of dialogue, stating, “China once again urges the Philippines to honor its commitments and consensus, stop its maritime abuses and provocations, stop any unilateral actions that may complicate the situation, and earnestly return to the right track of properly handling differences through dialogue and consultation with China.”

The dispute escalated when the Philippines accused the Chinese coastguard of employing water cannons against one of its civilian boats, resulting in damage and crew injuries. This incident led to a series of diplomatic actions, including the summoning of China’s charge d’affaires in Manila and the lodging of a formal protest. The Philippines has asserted its sovereign rights within its exclusive economic zone (EEZ), challenging China’s extensive claims over the South China Sea, including the contested shoal.

While maintaining its stance, China claims necessary measures were taken against Philippine vessels perceived as intruding into Chinese waters.