Taipei, Taiwan —The Chinese foreign ministry has called on the Philippines to “honor” its commitment to the provisional agreement to de-escalate tensions in the West Philippine Sea.
In a press briefing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said the provisional agreement is for “humanitarian purposes” only.
“The Philippines needs to honor its commitment, stop flip-flopping and going back on its word, and not backpedal or create problems again. Otherwise, China will make a resolute response,” he said.
China said it remains committed to settle bilateral maritime issues through dialogue and consultation.
“The real provocative actions are the constant meddling by the US and other countries outside the region, including their muscle flexing in waters off China’s coast, including the East and South China Seas,” Lin said.
The Philippine government rejected China’s claims that there were prior notification and inspection of Philippine vessels during the last resupply mission to BRP Sierra Madre at Ayungin Shoal on July 27.
The grounded vessel serves as an outpost to stake the country’s claim in the disputed area.
Foreign Affairs spokesperson Tess Daza lamented the “mischaracterization” of the Chinese foreign ministry on what transpired during the last resupply mission.
“Instead of acknowledging how two countries were able to manage differences in order to avoid miscalculation and misunderstanding, the Spokesperson chose to misrepresent what has been agreed between the Philippines and China regarding RORE missions in Ayungin Shoal,” said Daza in a statement over the weekend.
RORE is the routine rotation and resupply activities for the Sierra Madre crew.
Daza said the understanding between the Philippines and China “was concluded in good faith, with the explicit agreement that it will not prejudice national positions.”
“It is not helpful to keep giving false notions about what has been agreed on and how they were implemented,” she added.
National Security Council Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya echoed the DFA statement and maintained that Manila will not ask permission from Beijing.
“Gusto ko lang categorically pabulaanan iyan. Ang tawag ng DFA ay misrepresentation of facts, walang nangyaring boarding, walang nangyaring inspeksyon, wala pong nangyaring pagpapaalam, hindi po magpapaalam,” said Malaya in an interview with state-run television PTV on Monday.
[Translation: I just want to categorically deny that. The DFA calls it a misrepresentation of facts; there was no boarding, no inspection, no notification, and there will be no notification.]
