Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 17) — Both China and the Philippines should “exercise restraint,” Beijing’s ambassador to Manila said on Friday, as he blamed a supposed “third party” for stirring up trouble amid recent incidents in disputed waters.
First of all, both sides should exercise restraint and refrain from taking any unilateral and provocative action,” Ambassador Huang Xilian said during a speech at an event in Quezon City.At the end of the day, that water is a disputed area. So we want to avoid such instance,” he added.Huang made the statement days after the two countries’ coast guards figured in an incident in Ayungin Shoal, which is part of the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone and continental shelf.Philippine authorities said the Chinese Coast Guard aimed a military grade laser at their vessel. Beijing officials denied this, claiming that their ship only used a hand-held equipment for navigation safety.Huang also called out some external forces for allegedly getting in between the Philippines and China.There is some third party trying to stir up troubles whenever China-Philippines relations are improving… whenever there is an instance at sea,” the envoy stressed, but did not drop any names. “What is their true intention? I don’t know.Several powerhouse nations, including the United States, have expressed support for the Philippines and slammed China after the laser dispute, which they said threatens peace in the region.
