The Aquino administration, which had earlier refused to be dragged in a brewing conflict between the United States and China over the latter’s plan to put up a “garrison” similar to a military base off the disputed Spratly Islands, now shares similar sentiments of the US and Vietnam on the need to maintain freedom of navigation in the disputed South China Sea (West Philippine Sea).
At a press briefing aired over dzRB radio, deputy presidential spokesman Abigail Valte yesterday said that while the Department of Foreign Affairs has already filed a diplomatic protest against efforts of China to put up a garrison in Sansha City in one of the islands covered by the Kalayaan town, it is quite apparent for the government to share the concerns, citing the importance of the freedom of navigation.
“Well, in particular, when it comes to the military garrison that is allegedly being established in Sansha City or what the Chinese call ‘Sansha City’, we have already — the fact that we filed the diplomatic protest shows you what the position of the Philippine government is on that particular point. Now, at this particular time, it is also quite apparent that we do share the concerns especially on the importance of the freedom of navigation,” she stressed.
It was Valte who earlier said “the Philippines has its own position on the matter and will not enter the picture. We do not know how our friends in China will face that, we will not comment on the statements of the US in reference to China’s plans,” Valte was earlier quoted as saying.
Menwhile in Beijing, the Chinese government has summoned a senior US diplomat over American criticism of its decision to set up a new military garrison in the South China Sea, in an escalating row over the tense waters.
Assistant Foreign Minister Zhang Kunsheng called in the US embassy’s deputy chief of mission Robert Wang on Saturday, the foreign ministry said in a statement.
It came the same day Beijing publicly lashed out after the US said China had raised tensions in the region with the announcement late last month it had established a new city and garrison in the disputed Paracel islands.
Zhang told Wang that US State Department remarks on Friday “sent a seriously wrong message,” echoing the strong public criticisms.
“The Chinese side expresses strong dissatisfaction of and firm opposition to it. We urge the US side to correct its mistaken ways, respect China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.”
Zhang urged Wang to convey Beijing’s message to the “highest level” of the US government, the statement said.
The new garrison has infuriated the Philippines and Vietnam, accusing Beijing of stepping up harassment at sea.
China says it controls much of the South China Sea, but the Philippines, Vietnam, Brunei, Malaysia and Taiwan all claim portions.                     AFP