By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Following the expression of concern of German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock over the reported harassment of China Coast Guard on Filipino vessels, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning has stood firm in China’s commitment to handle disputes through dialogue and “to work with ASEAN countries to safeguard peace and stability in the region.”
On Thursday (January 11), Mao reiterated China’s clear and consistent position on the South China Sea issue, emphasizing dialogue and consultation for dispute resolution while prioritizing the safeguarding of peace, stability, territorial sovereignty, and maritime rights and interests.
“China’s position on the South China Sea issue is clear and consistent. We are committed to properly handling disputes through dialogue and consultation with the countries concerned and would like to work with ASEAN countries to safeguard peace and stability in the region. That said, China will firmly safeguard its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests,” Mao stressed.
Earlier, Baerbock — who was on an official visit to the Philippines — noted the incidents over the recent months wherein the Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) has used lasers and water cannons against Philippine resupply vessels and collision incidents.
Such incidents “concern us in Europe even though we are thousands of kilometers away,” Baerbock quipped.
However, China has remained adamant in its claims of sovereignty over nearly the entire South China Sea, pointing to a line on its maps that cuts into the exclusive economic zones (EEZ) of Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei, and Indonesia.
To recall, in 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) in the Hague said China’s claims had no legal basis.
China has strongly thrashed that ruling ever since.
(el Amigo/MNM)
