The Munich Security Conference, initially set to tackle global security challenges like the Ukraine crisis and the Gaza conflict, has pivoted towards U.S. critiques of major global powers. U.S. Vice President JD Vance accused Europe of undermining democracy and restricting freedom of speech, while U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio focused on China’s activities in the South China Sea.
On Friday, Secretary Rubio held his first in-person meeting in Germany with Philippines Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo. Following their discussion, Rubio tweeted about plans to strengthen the U.S.-Philippine alliance to counter what he described as China's \"destabilizing actions\" in the South China Sea.
During a separate panel discussion on Saturday titled \"Making Waves: Maritime Tensions in the Indo-Pacific,\" representatives from China reiterated their position regarding the South China Sea and voiced concerns over perceived U.S. interference.
China's former Deputy Foreign Minister Fu Ying stated that China would not tolerate the occupation of the Philippine military vessel BRP Sierra Madre, which has been grounded on the Ren'ai Jiao reef in the Nansha Islands since 1999. Fu Ying labeled the presence of the ship and the reinforcing efforts by Manila as violations of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC).
The BRP Sierra Madre, a World War II-era ship, has been occupied by Philippine Marines and sailors for over two decades. Recent efforts by Manila to repair and reinforce the vessel into a more permanent installation have intensified tensions with China.
