PH does not seek China nod for Ayungin resupply missions – Malaya

The BRP Sierra Madre is seen docked at Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea on November 10, 2023. —File photo by Jam Sta. Rosa | Agence France-Presse)

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine government stood firm in saying that it does not seek permission from China to conduct resupply missions at Ayungin Shoal (Second Thomas Shoal}, according to National Security Council Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya.

In a press conference on Wednesday, Malaya was asked to comment on the Chinese government’s alleged repeated statements claiming the Philippine government requires Beijing’s approval to conduct resupply missions in the area.

READ: PH will never seek China approval to access Ayungin—Año

“The position of the Philippine government has been very clear and consistent from the very beginning, and we have always been transparent about what we do insofar as the resupply missions are concerned. They’re conducted by the Philippines, by the Philippines utilizing Philippine vessels, and never have we sought permission from the People’s Republic of China,” Malaya responded.

“That’s why we’re also surprised that they consistently issue statements that are vaguely worded but created and drafted to create the impression that they actually supervise the entire thing,” he also said.

Malaya said these claims create the impression that, without China’s permission, the Philippine government would not be able to conduct the resupply missions.

“But that is the farthest from the truth,” he stressed.

READ: Beijing notified but not asked to approve resupply missions

Asked what the Philippines can do about such statements, Malaya said there is nothing, as talk is cheap and the Philippine government stands by the truth and what actually happens at sea.

He added that seeking permission from China would be a violation of the Philippine Constitution. /das/abc