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Friday, March 29, 2024

PH alarmed at China plan to build on Scarborough

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THE Philippines on Friday expressed concern about the reported plan of China to start building structures in the Scarborough Shoal.

However, Department of Foreign Affairs spokesman Charles Jose said they will verify the reports before taking any action.

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“Of course, we are always concerned about Chinese actions in the contested waters and islands. That’s why we continue to call on all parties to refrain from doing anything that would escalate the tension,” Jose said.

He said the Philippines has the capability to monitor any activities in the Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal).

A report said that China will not carry out any reclamation work in the Scarborough Shoal in the disputed South China Sea before hosting the G20 summit next month, but it might begin construction before the US presidential election in November.

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Since the G20 will be held in Hangzhou next month, and regional peace will be the main topic among leaders of the great powers, China will refrain from [acting on the] reclamation plan,” said the source, who requested anonymity.

But Beijing might seize an opportunity to reclaim land at the atoll in the Spratly Islands before the Americans vote for a new president on November 8, he said.

The atoll, about 230 kilometers west of Manila, is claimed by Beijing, Manila and Taipei. Chinese coastguard ships took control of the area in 2012 after a tense stand-off with Philippine vessels.

On July 12, the Permanent Court of Arbitration  ruled in favor of the Philippines and invalidated China’s excessive nine-dash line claim in the West Philippine Sea.

Meanwhile, DFA chief Perfecto Yasay confirmed that despite the ruling, there are still at least eight Chinese Coast Guard vessels anchored in the waters of Scarborough Shoal preventing Filipino fishermen from fishing in the areas declared by the arbitration court to be in Philippine territory.

“We have personally raised this concern, it’s not acceptable to us,” said Yasay in an interview with reporters on Monday.

“China has no basis for preventing our fishermen from fishing in that area,” Yasay said.

The foreign secretary said if such activities will continue, the Philippines will protest this action.

“If this continues, we will continue to protest this action because we feel that this is not justified at all,” he said.

He lamented that Chinese coast guard vessels were also monitoring the part of the sea within Manila’s territory.

Despite this development, Yasay remained hopeful that the bilateral negotiations with China led by former President Fidel Ramos will end in a peaceful settlement of the dispute.

He urged China to abide by the PCA’s ruling.

“We understand China does not want war, we do not want war and neither does the international community,” he said.

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