Wang & Sullivan Meet As Sino-Philippine Relations Deteriorate

(MNI) London - Chinese state media have issued a readout of Foreign Minister Wang Yi's meeting in Beijing with US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan. Wang: 'the key to smooth Sino-US interaction is equal treatment. Starting from the position of strength is not the right way for countries to interact."

• Wang: 'The United States should stop suppressing China in the fields of economy, trade and science and technology, and stop undermining China's legitimate interests. Using "overcapacity" as an excuse to engage in protectionism will only harm global green development and affect world economic growth.'
• Wang: 'China firmly safeguards its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests over the South China Sea islands, [...] The United States must not use bilateral treaties as an excuse to undermine China's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and must not support or condone the Philippines' infringing actions.'
• Wang: 'Both sides agreed to hold video calls between the two militaries' theatre leaders at an appropriate time'.

• A collision between Chinese and Philippine vessels last week near the contested Sabina Shoal raised already-high tensions between Beijing and Manila leading to speculation the Philippines could look to invoke a mutual defence treaty with the US. This would represent a significant escalation.