By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Finally breaking its silence, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Monday (17 June 2024) said it would not dignify the misleading claims of China in relation to the reported collision of Philippine and Chinese vessels in the waters adjacent to Ayungin Shoal.
AFP Public Affairs Office (PAO) chief Colonel Xerxes Trinidad stressed that the main issue is the illegal presence of Chinese vessels in the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
“The AFP will not discuss operational details on the legal humanitarian rotation and resupply mission at Ayungin Shoal, which is well within our EEZ. We will not dignify the deceptive and misleading claims of the China Coast Guard,” Trinidad said.
He added: ”The main issue remains to be the illegal presence and actions of Chinese vessels within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone, which infringes on our sovereignty and sovereign rights.”
Earlier, the China Coast Guard (CCG) claimed that a “Philippine replenishment ship ignored many solemn warnings from the Chinese side” subsequently causing the collision of vessels of the Philippines and China in the waters adjacent to Ayungin Shoal.
Trinidad, however, maintained that the continued aggressive actions of the CCG personnel are escalating tensions in the region.
The Ayungin Shoal, which China calls Ren’ai Reef, is located 105 nautical miles west of Palawan and is well within the Philippines’ 200-mile EEZ.
(el Amigo/mnm)
