The Philippines on Wednesday released photos purporting to show Chinese boats near a shoal in the South China Sea, claiming that the presence of new ships in the area could signal another attempt by Beijing to build in disputed fishing grounds. “Their presence is a precursor to building activities on the shoal”, defence department spokesman Arse nio Andolong said.
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But Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said China has not done anything to alter the circumstances surrounding the shoal.
China took control of Scarborough shoal in 2012 after a standoff with the Philippine navy.
China and the Asean bloc made progress on Wednesday, agreeing that a framework for a legally-binding code of conduct in the South China Sea would be established this year, as a step towards resolving territorial disputes in those waters.
On Tuesday, Japan agreed to provide two large patrol ships and lend up to five used surveillance aircraft to the Philippines, another country at odds with China over sovereignty issues in the South China Sea.
Before a meeting of Asean leaders and China Wednesday, Duterte shook hands with Premier Li Keqiang.
They benefit greatly from its powerful economy – China is now the biggest source of tourists to the region – but its growing might also poses challenges.
The statement will also emphasise the importance of maintaining peace in the South China Sea, the other major regional flashpoint.
Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar said the President said “it is imperative to have people to people exchange, investment relationships should be fostered, tourism growth in the ASEAN region, worldwide disputes should inspire us to work together with adherence to the rule of law and global governing bodies; put words into actions and be on the side of peace”.
Beijing’s territorial claims to the Spratly Islands in the South China Sea, which are believed to be rich in oil and gas reserves, run counter to those of the Philippines, Taiwan, Malaysia, Brunei and Vietnam.
During the meeting, they confirmed that Tokyo and Manila will cooperate to resolve the South China Sea issue in a peaceful manner, based on a ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, the Netherlands, in July that rejected China’s claims in the dispute with the Philippines.
He said that China and the Philippines were discussing the issue, but gave no details.
China claims much of the South China Sea, through which more than US$5 trillion of trade moves annually.
Tensions have escalated sharply in recent years as China built islands and airstrips on reefs and islets in the Spratlys archipelago – another strategically important location – that are capable of supporting military operations.
US President Barack Obama reportedly directly warned his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, during a meeting in March not to push ahead with any artificial island building there.
The Philippines’ expression of concern comes after a dispute with the United States, its main ally.
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China, too, has expressed confidence that it can work with the Philippines to return to a healthy relationship, said Beijing’s Vice-Foreign Minister Liu Zhenmin yesterday.
