The Philippines has accused China of obstructing its companies in exploring natural resources in the contested South China Sea, an area rich in oil and gas reserves. Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo emphasized the pressures that China exerts on Filipino capabilities to engage in oil exploration, outlining various confrontational incidents, including armed clashes and harassment. The ongoing tensions highlight the growing hostilities between Manila and Beijing, with multiple reports of aggressive encounters, indicating a serious challenge to Philippine sovereignty.
"The ability of our own companies, for example, to develop natural resources, for example, oil exploration, is also being hindered by the need of one country to be involved in those activities."
"These incidents hit home directly… a number of incidents occurred over the past two years, consisting of water cannoning, the use of lasers, even ramming."
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