Philippine President, Benigno Aquino, made a statement early during his visit in Tokyo, Japan, which shocked Chinese officials. President Aquino likened China's intransigence over the South China Sea dispute to Germany's Nazi regime. 

"If there was a vacuum, if the United States, which is the superpower, says 'we are not interested', perhaps there is no brake to ambitions of other countries," stated President Aquino to his audience in Tokyo, adding, "I'm an amateur student of history and I'm reminded of ... how Germany was testing the waters and what the response was by various other European powers."

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This is however not the first time the Philippine President has made statements likening that of China to the Third Reich. The same goes for Japan's Prime Minister, Shinzo Abe, who had also caused quite the controversy when he had suggested that Beijing and Tokyo were similar to Germany and Britain on the eve of war. The Japanese government downplayed the comments stating it was merely a mistake made by the translator.

While President Aquino stands firm on his statements, residents of Beijing have found his sentiments "ignorant" and "lame."

Hua Chunying, China's Foreign Ministry spokeswoman was one of the many Chinese officials who have been "shocked" by President Aquino's remarks. Chunying adds that the Philippines have tried for decades to occupy Chinese islands. In addition, Philippines have been "colluding with countries outside the region to stir up trouble and sling mud at China."

"I once more seriously warn certain people in the Philippines to cast aside their illusions and repent, stop provocations and instigations, and return to the correct path of using bilateral channels to talk and resolve this dispute," added Chunying.

Once again, tensions have significantly risen between Philippines and China. Involved now in the dispute is Japan and United States, though not directly involved in the South China Sea issue. President Obama has urged China to stop all construction work on the island.

China on the other hand has continued its right to fulfill its responsibility over the islands in the South China Sea. Aside from the Philippines who has been claiming ownership over the reefs and islands in the South China Sea, other countries involved include Taiwan, Brunei, Malaysia, and Vietnam.

TagsPhilippine President, President Obama