MANILA. The Philippine foreign ministry declared on Tuesday that it had received numerous maritime-related proposals from China, but asserted that they could not be entertained as they conflicted with the Southeast Asian nation’s national interests.
Recent months have witnessed escalating tensions between Manila and Beijing over disputed waters in the South China Sea. In a recent incident, the Philippines accused the China Coast Guard of firing water cannons at one of its vessels engaged in a resupply mission in the region, resulting in injuries to four navy personnel.
The latest proposal from China insisted on actions that would imply acknowledgment of China’s control and administration over the Ayungin Shoal, a proposition that the Philippines cannot entertain without contravening constitutional or international law, stated the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) in a statement.
The DFA’s response came following a Manila Times article quoting an unnamed “ranking Chinese official” alleging that Beijing’s attempts to normalize the situation in the South China Sea were met with inaction by the Philippine government.
“We were, therefore, surprised by China’s disclosure of sensitive details of our bilateral discussions,” the DFA expressed, emphasizing the Philippines’ sincere and good-faith approach to confidential negotiations.
According to reports, China presented 11 concept papers proposing management strategies for the Second Thomas Shoal and addressing fishing issues around the Scarborough Shoal. However, these proposals did not align with the Philippines’ interests, as per the Manila Times.
Despite a 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration refuting China’s expansive claims, Beijing persists in asserting its sovereignty over the South China Sea Islands, reiterating on Tuesday that China and the Philippines have no territorial disputes in the region.
In response, the Philippine DFA clarified that it did not disregard China’s proposals, indicating that it submitted counter-proposals. However, China’s subsequent counter-proposals failed to reflect the Philippines’ interests, particularly regarding the South China Sea.
With inputs from agencies.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
