Philippines: Foreign Minister threatens China on Twitter

In conflict over maritime areas between Philippines And China is tightening the strings. Peking For months, more and more ships have been sending to the disputed area in the South China Sea – to the displeasure of the government Manila.

The veins of Philippine Foreign Minister Teodoro Loxin Jr., a somewhat qualifying office for the country’s highest diplomat, are clearly on the nerves. “China, my friend, how can I put it politely? Think about it… oh… go German « Twitter.

China is doing nothing for friendship between countries, Loksin accused the superpower. “What are you doing with our friendship?” “You. We don’t. We try it. But you’re like an ugly fool who focuses his attention on a beautiful man who wants to be a friend.”

(Maintain an overview: Every day around 6pm, SPIEGEL authors answer the most important questions of the day. “Evening conditions” – deep, compact, free of charge. Here you can order your news briefing as an email.)

Manila was angered by Chinese military exercises near Luzon Island

Specifically, it is about an incident last week when Chinese Coast Guard vessels on the Scarborough Reef are said to be “shadowed and blocked” by the Philippine Coast Guard, according to the State Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Reef is about 230 kilometers from the Philippine main island of Luzon.

The exercise was carried out in Philippine waters, which is an “integral part” of the country. “China has no law enforcement rights in these areas,” he said. Minilla formally protested against the Chinese’s “warlike” actions, according to the ministry.

Both China and the Philippines are claiming the Scarborough Reef, which is largely submerged. This was the focus of a military incident between the two countries in 2012, after which Beijing brutally captured the reef. Although a court ruled in 2016 that China’s historical rights to the territory were null and void, Beijing does not recognize the verdict.