Aides of Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte criticized China on April 5 for anchoring hundreds of its vessels for a month in the disputed South China Sea areas, which could lead to “unwanted hostilities,” his legal counsel warned.
On Monday, Duterte’s lawyer Salvador Panelo called the prolonged presence of Chinese boats “territorial incursions” and told the Beijing regime: “We can negotiate on matters of mutual concern and benefit, but make no mistake about it—our sovereignty is non-negotiable.”
Duterte’s spokesman Harry Roque echoed the view later on that day and told a news conference: “We will not give up even a single inch of our national territory or our EEZ.”
Duterte is usually reluctant to confront China. He even angered Filipinos by refusing to press China on respecting a landmark 2016 arbitral ruling that clarified the Philippines’ sovereign rights in its exclusive economic zone (EEZ), which can help the country take back the control of the Scarborough Shoal.
The situation of the South China Sea is intense with over 250 Chinese fishing boats, which are believed to host militias posing as sailors, anchored around six areas, and warships from China, the United States, Australia, Canada, and Japan sailing nearby.
Philippines South China Sea.
Tension
The U.S. aircraft carrier ***** USS Theodore Roosevelt***** was observed to have entered the South China Sea together with Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS Russell and Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruiser USS Bunker Hill on April 4, according to the Chinese think tank South China Sea Strategic Situation Probing Initiative (SCSPI).
The Australian Anzac-class frigate HMAS Anzac, the Canadian Halifax-class frigate HMCS Calgary, and Japanese destroyer Akebono were also spotted sailing in the disputed ocean, SCSPI reported on April 1.
The Filipino government said on Wednesday that about 250 Chinese fishing boats, together with at least four navy ships, are anchored side by side in six disputed areas in the Spratly Islands, South China Sea.
The vessels have been seen in the islands since March 7. They first anchored side by side on Whitsun Reef. Over 200 of them moved to other areas after the Filipino government condemned them in late March.
On April 4, Philippines’ Defence Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said in his statement that 44 Chinese fishing boats are still anchored on Whitsun Reef.
http://www.theepochtimes.com/philippines-issues-tough-statement-to-china-as-south-china-sea-situation-intensifies_3762659.html
If you think education is expensive, try ignorance.
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