Chinese Consul General Zhang Zhe on Monday commented on whether the Cebu City Council’s resolution declaring July 12 as West Philippine Sea Victory Day would affect the Chinese Consulate’s relationship with Cebu City officials. CDN Digital photo
CEBU CITY, Philippines — Chinese Consul General Zhang Zhe on Monday warned that Cebu City’s decision to commemorate “West Philippine Sea Victory Day” could undermine its long-standing relationship with China, saying local leaders must decide whether they want “friendship” or “confrontation.”
This is China’s strongest public response yet to Cebu City’s resolution declaring July 12 as “West Philippine Sea Victory Day,” a measure the Chinese Consulate has repeatedly opposed for recognizing the 2016 arbitral ruling that invalidated Beijing’s sweeping claims in the South China Sea.
Zhang made the remarks hours after Cebu City officials led by Vice Mayor Tomas Osmeña joined Defense Secretary Gilberto “Gibo” Teodoro in commemorating the 10th anniversary of the landmark arbitral award at City Hall.
READ: Osmeña says Archival is ‘playing it safe’ on West Philippine Sea issue
