West PH Sea: Chinese Foreign Ministry ‘mischaracterized’ Ayungin mission – DFA

By: - Reporter / @FArgosinoINQ
/ 08:17 PM July 28, 2024

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MANILA, Philippines —  The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) has “mischaracterized” the Philippines’ rotation and resupply mission (RoRe) at Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal in the West Philippine Sea on Saturday, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said on Sunday.

Earlier, the Chinese MFA said, “China had been informed of the resupply before it was carried out.”

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READ: Chinese maritime forces seen during resupply mission in Ayungin – PCG

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“Instead of acknowledging how two countries were able to manage differences in order to avoid miscalculation and misunderstanding, the spokesperson (Mao Ning) chose to misrepresent what has been agreed between the Philippines and China regarding RoRe missions in Ayungin Shoal,” DFA spokesperson Teresita Daza’s statement read.

“Let us make it absolutely clear: the understanding between the Philippines and China was concluded in good faith, with the explicit agreement that it would 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.

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Chinese maritime forces were spotted during the RoRe of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) along with the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) at Ayungin Shoal, said Commodore Jay Tarriela, PCG spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea.

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He also pointed out that the Philippines did not and will never ask permission from China to conduct its resupply mission at Ayungin Shoal.

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“There was also no boarding and inspection by the Chinese Coast Guard, as claimed by the Chinese Foreign Ministry in its statement yesterday,” he added.

For Daza, Manila’s core position on the issues surrounding the West Philippine Sea “remains clear and consistent, including as regards our legally settled maritime entitlements” and the country’s right to conduct routine activities within its exclusive economic zone.

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“The BRP Sierra Madre is a commissioned naval vessel, and its presence in Ayungin Shoal is well within the Philippines’ sovereign rights and jurisdiction,” she said.

“The Philippines will remain committed to the peaceful settlement of disputes, including through dialogue and consultation, and will honor the understanding on RoRe missions. We expect China will also adhere to the understanding as negotiated,” she added.

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TAGS: China, DFA, Philippine Coast Guard, West Philippine Sea

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