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Beijing ‘repeatedly’ reached out to Manila on Ayungin Shoal issue — Chinese envoy
Beijing reached out to Manila to resolve the issue of Ayungi Shoal, which is currently hosting Filipino military personnel through the grounded BRP Sierra Madre, Deputy Chief of Mission of the Chinese Embassy in the Philippines Zhou Zhiyong said Monday. According to Zhou, the Chinese side “repeatedly” reached out to its counterparts on the Philippine side to resolve the matter in a “peaceful” manner. “China has repeatedly expressed its willingness to resolve differences with the Philippines through bilateral dialogues,” he said in a media briefing in Quezon City. He noted that at the end of 2021, several rounds of discussion between the Philippines and China were held to manage the “disputes” over Ayungin Shoal, which they call Ren’ai Reef. "Such discussions have led to consensus on resupply missions to the Ren'ai Reef," he said, adding that the agreement had successfully guaranteed stability and tranquility in the area for the entire previous year. “Unfortunately, beginning early this year, the Philippine Government refused to acknowledge and implement the existing consensus and started to take a series of unilateral actions,” he said. “Despite this, the Chinese side suggested earlier this year that the two sides shall discuss measures to strengthen the management of the situation of Ren’ai Reef as early as possible to ensure peace and tranquility in the relevant waters,” he added. He continued: “We also provided the Philippine side with a draft proposal. We are still waiting for the formal response from the Philippine side.” Zhou also maintained that the Philippine government had repeatedly “promised” to remove the BRP Sierra Madre from Ayungin Shoal. “On May 9th 1999, the Philippine Navy tank-landing ship LT-57 intruded into Ren’ai Reef and illegally ‘grounded’, citing the excuse of dilapidation and being stranded or distressed,” he said. “The Chinese side lodged solemn representations immediately, requesting the Philippine side to tow the vessel away. The Philippine side also made an explicit commitment to do so,” he added. “The representations were put on record and the details were well documented. Regarding this, the Philippine media made extensive coverage then.” Last week, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. denied that the Philippine government made such a promise to China. “I’m not aware of any such arrangement or agreement that the Philippines will remove from its own territory its ship, in this case, the BRP Sierra Madre from the Ayungin Shoal,” Marcos said in a video message. He also asserted that he is rescinding any commitment should there be an agreement between the two countries to remove the vessel. "And let me go further, if there does exist such an agreement, I rescind that agreement now,” Marcos said. ‘Construction materials’ Zhou also defended the Chinese Coast Guard’s actions during its confrontation with vessels of the Philippine Navy and Philippine Coast Guard near Ayungin Shoal last 5 August. He stressed that despite the Philippine government’s failure to honor its alleged commitment, the Chinese side has “always exerted the utmost restraint with a view to maintaining relations with the Philippines and safeguarding regional peace and stability.” “Furthermore, out of humanitarian consideration, the Chinese side has made temporary and special arrangements for the Philippine resupply missions to bring to the ‘grounded’ military vessel food and other daily necessities,” he said. “In those 24 years, the Philippine side has not encountered problems with such humanitarian resupply,” he added. He pointed out that the Philippine move to transport construction materials to the grounded BRP Sierra Madre was the cause of the 5 August incident. “Under such circumstances, the Chinese side was made to react with the necessary actions. China Coast Guard took warning law-enforcement measures and stopped the vessel carrying construction materials,” he said. “I believe you have also noticed that the other Philippine resupply vessel entered the lagoon of Ren’ai Reef and performed its humanitarian resupply mission. This showed the restraint and humanitarian spirit of the Chinese side,” he added. The Philippine government, through the Department of Foreign Affairs, condemned China’s actions, which included the use of water cannon and dangerous maneuvers against Philippine vessels. The agency reiterated that the routine resupply mission of the Philippine Navy was a legitimate and regular activity of the Philippine government. Likewise, the Philippine government said China’s actions were in violation of the relevant provisions of the 1982 UNCLOS, the Award on the 2016 South China Sea Arbitration, the 1972 COLREGS and the 2002 ASEAN-China DOC. The post Beijing ‘repeatedly’ reached out to Manila on Ayungin Shoal issue — Chinese envoy appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Stalled CoC tabled anew
The long-delayed negotiations for a Code of Conduct or CoC on the West Philippine Sea resume next month reviving hopes for a binding agreement that China will adhere to in defusing maritime tensions, the Department of Foreign Affairs confirmed. Talks between ASEAN members and China are scheduled in Manila in August. In 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration at The Hague issued an award that basically invalidated the nine-dash line claim of China but did not settle sovereignty issues. China refused to participate in the proceedings and said it did not recognize the ruling. Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo announced the latest development following the completion of the second reading of the Single Draft CoC negotiating text. Pandemic stalled talks Constraints brought about by the pandemic prevented ASEAN and China from holding CoC negotiations over the past two years. According to Manalo, Manila anticipates adopting an “effective and substantive” agreement next month. In addition, the DFA chief advocated for stronger cooperation on several issues related to ASEAN and Beijing relations, saying that everyone involved “must ensure that gains are not undercut by threats to regional peace, security, and stability, as well as major power rivalries.” “Regarding developments in the South China Sea, we call for the effective management and peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with international law,” Manolo said. Both ASEAN and China reiterated through a joint statement their intent to expedite the negotiations on the long-stalled CoC. Back in November 2022, Manalo bared that at least two or three rounds of negotiations were expected to take place this year. China, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia and Brunei are at odds over the resource-rich South China Sea, with China claiming the disputed waterway entirely. China remained firm over its territorial claims, notwithstanding the 2016 arbitral award. Last week, the Philippines, joined by its allies, celebrated the seventh anniversary of the country’s victory in the United Nations-backed Permanent Court of Arbitration. The post Stalled CoC tabled anew appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Opinion - South China Sea- Philippines must softly manage disputes or miss out economically
Manilas assertive transparency strategy is touted as a model for managing maritime disputes but it diminishes key economic opportunities. As Chinese investment pours into other Southeast Asian countries, the Philippines must reduce geopolitical risks without acquiescing to Beijing......»»
India backs Philippines in dispute with China
New Delhi has drawn a strong response from Beijing after reiterating its support for Manila in a territorial dispute India has "firmly reiterated" its support for the Philippines and its "national sovereignty," as Manila remains locked in a territorial dispute with Beijing in the South China Sea. Ten.....»»
India backs Philippines in sea dispute with China
New Delhi has drawn a strong response from Beijing after reiterating its support for Manila in a territorial dispute India has "firmly reiterated" its support for the Philippines and its "national sovereignty," as Manila remains locked in a territorial dispute with Beijing in the South China Sea. Ten.....»»
China blocks Philippine supply run in disputed waters (VIDEO)
Manilla and Beijing have traded accusations over a naval incident near the Spratly Islands Chinese patrol boats used water cannons on Saturday to disrupt an attempt by the Philippine military to deliver supplies to a reef in a disputed part of the South China Sea, where the Philippine Navy intentionally grounded a tan.....»»
China blocks Philippine military supply boat in disputed waters (VIDEO)
Manilla and Beijing have traded accusations over a naval incident near the Spratly Islands Chinese patrol boats used water cannons on Saturday to disrupt an attempt by the Philippine military to deliver supplies to a reef in a disputed part of the South China Sea, where the Philippine Navy intentionally grounded a tan.....»»
China blocks Philippine supply run in disputed waters
Manilla and Beijing have traded accusations over a naval incident near the Spratly IslandsChinese patrol boats used water cannons on Saturday to disrupt an attempt by the Philippine military to deliver supplies to a reef in a disputed part of the South China Sea, where the Philippine Navy intentionally grounded a tank landing ship over two decades ago.The incident occurred near the Second.....»»
China blocks Philippine military supply boat in disputed waters
Manilla and Beijing have traded accusations over a naval incident near the Spratly IslandsChinese patrol boats used water cannons on Saturday to disrupt an attempt by the Philippine military to deliver supplies to a reef in a disputed part of the South China Sea, where the Philippine Navy intentionally grounded a tank landing ship over two decades ago.The incident occurred near the Second.....»»
Philippines lodges strong protest with China over water cannon attack in disputed South China Sea
Manila [Philippines], March 25 (ANI): In the wake of accusation by the Philippines that the Chinese Coast Guard wounded three of its soldiers during a water cannon attack in the disputed South China Sea, Manila on Monday summoned Beijing's envoy to lodge its strong protest, Al Jazeera reported. The Philippines Department of Foreign Affairs, in a statement said that Manila conveyed its "strong protest against the aggressiv.....»»
Indian Coast Guard ship docks at Manila port amid tensions in South China Sea
Manila [Philippines], March 26 (ANI): Amid tensions in the South China Sea, the Indian Coast Guard ship, Samudra Paheredar docked at the Manila Bay in the Philippines as part of a broader initiative aimed at demonstrating ICG Marine Pollution Response capabilities, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) said in an official release on Tuesday. The ICG ship which arrived at the port on Monday, is on an overseas deployment to ASEAN c.....»»
China blocks Philippine supply run in disputed waters (VIDEO)
Manilla and Beijing have traded accusations over a naval incident near the Spratly Islands Chinese patrol boats used water cannons on Saturday to disrupt an attempt by the Philippine military to deliver supplies to a reef in a disputed part of the South China Sea, where the Philippine Navy intentionally grounded a tan.....»»
China blocks Philippine military supply boat in disputed waters (VIDEO)
Manilla and Beijing have traded accusations over a naval incident near the Spratly Islands Chinese patrol boats used water cannons on Saturday to disrupt an attempt by the Philippine military to deliver supplies to a reef in a disputed part of the South China Sea, where the Philippine Navy intentionally grounded a tan.....»»
China blocks Philippine supply run in disputed waters
Manilla and Beijing have traded accusations over a naval incident near the Spratly IslandsChinese patrol boats used water cannons on Saturday to disrupt an attempt by the Philippine military to deliver supplies to a reef in a disputed part of the South China Sea, where the Philippine Navy intentionally grounded a tank landing ship over two decades ago.The incident occurred near the Second.....»»
China blocks Philippine military supply boat in disputed waters
Manilla and Beijing have traded accusations over a naval incident near the Spratly IslandsChinese patrol boats used water cannons on Saturday to disrupt an attempt by the Philippine military to deliver supplies to a reef in a disputed part of the South China Sea, where the Philippine Navy intentionally grounded a tank landing ship over two decades ago.The incident occurred near the Second.....»»
Philippines lodges strong protest with China over water cannon attack in disputed South China Sea
Manila [Philippines], March 25 (ANI): In the wake of accusation by the Philippines that the Chinese Coast Guard wounded three of its soldiers during a water cannon attack in the disputed South China Sea, Manila on Monday summoned Beijing's envoy to lodge its strong protest, Al Jazeera reported. The Philippines Department of Foreign Affairs, in a statement said that Manila conveyed its "strong protest against the aggressiv.....»»
China coastguard uses water cannons against Philippine ships in South China Sea
MANILA/SHANGHAI (Reuters) -China’s coastguard said it had taken measures against Philippine vessels in disputed waters of the South China Sea on Saturday, while the Philippines decried the moves, including the use of water cannons, as “irresponsible and provocative”. China’s actions led to “significant damage” and injury to personnel on a civilian boat hired to resupply.....»»
US warns China against armed attack on Philippines
Washington, DC [US], March 19 (ANI): US Secretary of State Antony Blinken warned China on Tuesday, stating that any "armed" attack on Philippine vessels in the South China Sea would activate a mutual self-defence agreement between Washington and Manila, underscoring the escalating tensions in the region that could potentially embroil the United States in conflict with Beijing, as reported by The New York Times. Despite th.....»»
Philippines behaviour in South China Sea 'extremely dangerous': Chinese state media
Beijing [China], December 25 (ANI): The Chinese state media on Tuesday accused the Philippines of ignoring China's 'goodwill' and 'restraint' and warned the country against "causing trouble and chaos" in the South China Sea, Al Jazeera reported. The Chinese-state-controlled newspaper The People's Daily issued the call in commentary published on Monday, saying the Philippines has repeatedly infringed on China's territory i.....»»
Philippines behaviour in South China Sea 'extremely dangerous': Chinese state media
Beijing [China], December 25 (ANI): The Chinese state media on Tuesday accused the Philippines of ignoring China's 'goodwill' and 'restraint' and warned the country against "causing trouble and chaos" in the South China Sea, Al Jazeera reported. The Chinese-state-controlled newspaper The People's Daily issued the call in commentary published on Monday, saying the Philippines has repeatedly infringed on China's territory i.....»»