TENSIONS between Manila and Beijing escalated once again following the water cannon incident at Ayungin Shoal.
In a video released by the Philippine Coast Guard, it can be seen that the Chinese Coast Guard intercepted and allegedly sprayed water at the PCG vessel, which was en route to deliver supplies of food, water, and fuel to the Philippine troops stationed aboard the BRP Sierra Madre at Ayungin Shoal.
Chinese Coast Guard, on the other hand, published an aerial video showing that the PCG vessel was indeed sprayed with water, but it is evident that there was a considerable distance between it and the Philippine naval vessels.
Because of this, China once again expressed its hope to collaborate with the Philippines to implement the consensus reached by the two heads of state, Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. And Chinese President Xi Jinping, during Marcos’ visit to Beijing at the beginning of the year, and to continue promoting peace in the disputed waters.
During the celebration of the 2023 APPCU (award for promoting Philippines-China understanding), President Marcos announced that the two countries have already achieved a consensus on the maritime issues they are facing.
“President Xi Jinping and I have reached a consensus on the maritime problems in a friendly way with consultations and exchanges. I think under the leadership of our two presidents, we may find a good way to settle all these problems,” Pres. Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said.
China calls Ayungin Shoal Ren’ai Jiao and said that the area is a part of the Nansha Islands in the South China Sea.
Meanwhile, the Philippines said it will never abandon Ayungin Shoal and will continue to provide for the needs of the country’s troops stationed on the disputed island.
“For the record, we will never abandon Ayungin Shoal. We are committed to Ayungin Shoal.”
“We will do what is necessary to provide supplies and provision for our troops there for as long as it takes,” Jonathan Malaya, Assistant Director General, National Security Council said.
Last Saturday, the Philippines sent four ships – two supply ships and two coast guard ships – into the waters of Ren’ai Jiao or Ayungin Shoal without authorization, despite repeated warnings from China.
According to China, it simply followed the law, and the Chinese Coast Guard took appropriate measures and expelled the Philippine ships carrying illegal building materials from the waters.
“We urge the Philippine side to immediately stop its infringing activities in this waters.”
“The China Coast Guard will continue to carry out law enforcement activities in waters under China’s jurisdiction according to law,” China Foreign Ministry said.
On Monday, a meeting took place between the Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian, and the Undersecretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs of the Philippines Theresa Lazaro.
Huang reiterated China’s consistent position regarding Ayungin Shoal and shared the recent events in the waters near it.
He emphasized that the Philippines has repeatedly taken unilateral actions that undermine the existing consensus and challenge the purported current status quo in the management and control of Ayungin’s waters.
The ambassador said that China has expressed its deep concerns about the Philippines’ actions through various means.
But despite China’s repeated warnings, the Philippines continued to send naval vessels near the area.
China stated that it hopes the Philippines will collaborate in the same direction, earnestly implement the consensus reached by the two heads of state, cease all unilateral actions, and prevent the situation from worsening or potentially getting out of control.
Huang emphasized that the strategy of amplifying and involving third parties will not be helpful but will only exacerbate the situation.
Furthermore, Huang added that China has repeatedly recommended to the Philippine side to engage in discussions on how to manage the situation in Ren’ai Jiao or Ayungin Shoal, which demonstrates China’s sincerity.
He hopes that both sides will commence negotiations to promptly work together in maintaining peace in the said waters.
