Beijing escalated its war of words with the Philippines over the South China Sea on Friday, decrying Manila as “hypocritical” for criticising its land reclamation works in the area. Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying’s denunciation came one day after the Philippine foreign secretary accused Beijing of “accelerating its expansionist agenda” and maintained that Manila would resume its own construction in the South China Sea. Tensions have escalated sharply in recent years as China has moved to increase its presence and assert its authority in the waters.

Beijing escalates word war on disputed waters. (2015, March 28). Manila Standard, p. A5.