China vice foreign minister says relations with Philippines are at a crossroads

China's vice foreign minister, Chen Xiaodong, said relations between China and the Philippines are presently at a crossroads, and the Philippine side must act cautiously in which way to go.

Chen made the remarks in a phone call with Philippine deputy foreign minister, Theresa Lazaro, according to a statement from the Chinese foreign ministry, as tensions between the two countries ramp up over altercations at the Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea.

"China once again urges the Philippines to honor its commitments and consensus, stop its maritime abuses and provocations, stop any unilateral actions that may complicate the situation, and earnestly return to the right track of properly handling differences through dialogue and consultation with China," Chen said.