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But Beijing still blaming Manila’s change of policy, position
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Wednesday said it would ask China to stop interfering with their resupply operations and its harassment of Filipino fishermen within the country’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), if talks between the two countries materialize.
“Non-interference in our operations is good enough,” AFP spokesperson Col. Medel Aguilar said in a message.
The AFP official was referring to the regular rotation and resupply (RORE) missions being conducted by the AFP in support of Philippine outposts in the WPS, which have been targeted by China’s recent aggressive actions.
“Yes. Plus non-harassment of our fishermen within the country’s EEZ,” Aguilar said when asked if he would consider it an act of good faith should China comply with their first demand.
But China on Wednesday again blamed the Philippines for heightened tension in the disputed waters in the South China Sea, saying it was caused by Manila’s change of policy and position over the disputed maritime territories.
Mao Ning, spokesperson for China’s Foreign Ministry, said the responsibility “lies with the Philippines” as far as the maritime conflict is concerned.
However, Aguilar said other agencies such as the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and the Department of Transportation with the Philippine Coast Guard under it would have their own demands.
On Tuesday, National Security Council (NSC) Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya said that while they welcome China’s offer of dialogue, it must first immediately stop its bullying, aggressive actions, and illegal moves in the WPS as these seriously undermine regional peace and security.
This was in response to Beijing’s accusation that Manila is encroaching on its territory and making provocative actions in the WPS.
Beijing, however, said it is ready to work with Manila to resolve maritime issues.
“China’s illegal exercise of maritime law enforcement powers, interference with Philippine vessels, harassment and intimidation of Filipino fisherfolk, and other activities that infringe upon the Philippines’ sovereignty and jurisdiction in the WPS are clear violations of international law,” Malaya said.
He also said that the dialogue can only succeed in an atmosphere of mutual respect and sincerity between two sovereign nations.
Malaya said China is the only country that believes in its narrative and propaganda, and not a single nation has expressed support for its claim of the entire South China Sea.
“The root of all these tensions is its non-adherence to international law, UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea), and the 2016 Arbitral Award. As the world has seen, it is not the Philippines that has been engaged in provocations, bullying, and aggressive actions in the West Philippine Sea. In fact, the Philippines has been very restrained and responsible but the same cannot be said of China,” he added.
In Beijing, Mao added: “The recent developments involving China and the Philippines in the South China Sea are caused by the Philippines’ change of policy and position, refusing to honor its commitment, violation of the international law and the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, and deliberate infringement of China’s sovereignty and provocations.”
Despite international agreement that its claims over the entire South China Sea are illegal, China refuses to recognize the exclusive economic zones of several countries, including the Philippines, and claims these as its own.
Mao said China is hoping the Philippines will make a “wise choice, return to the right track of properly handling disputes through dialogue and consultation, and work with China to manage the situation at sea.”
Meanwhile, two navy ships from South Korea arrived in the Philippines for a series of activities aimed at strengthening relations between the two countries.
Training ship ROKS Hansando and combat support ship ROKS Hwacheon will be participating in the Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN)’s Cruise Training Task Group (CTTG), which will be held in the Philippines to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Korean War Armistice.
CTTG’s participating ships arrived on Wednesday at the port of Manila as the training’s 12th port of call, with 460 sailors aboard. It is CTTG’s 28th visit to the country, the highest record among countries in Asia.
Among CTTG’s scheduled activities in Manila is a visit to the Korean War memorial in the Cemetery of the Heroes for a wreath-laying ceremony and a visit to the Korean War memorial hall to honor the sacrifice of the Korean War veterans.
Another activity is a joint cultural performance of both navies’ bands and honor guards, which will happen in Rizal Park.
CTTG will also visit the Philippine Fleet, tour the Philippine Navy Special Operations Command and host receptions to strengthen the friendship between the navies of both sides.
It will host a Defense Industry Exhibition on board ROKS Hwacheon in tandem with the ROK ship tour during the port call at Manila.
CTTG will also conduct a joint passing exercise with BRP Jose Rizal of the Philippine Navy to refortify the relationship between the two navies. — Vince Lopez & Rey E. Requejo
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