MANILA, Philippines – A senior official from the Chinese Embassy, Zhou Zhiyong, has restated China’s position that the Philippines had previously agreed to the removal of its grounded vessel from Ayungin Shoal. This statement comes amid rising tensions in the South China Sea. Zhou, the deputy chief of mission and minister counselor, also expressed China’s interest in engaging in bilateral talks with the Philippines to address the ongoing maritime disputes.
Zhou’s remarks were made during a public forum held a week after a series of water cannon attacks by the China Coast Guard on Philippine boats en route to resupply Ayungin Shoal. Despite China’s efforts to establish a dialogue, Zhou pointed out that there has been no response from Manila regarding the proposed talks on South China Sea tensions.
China’s claims about discussions and agreements between the two countries regarding the resupply missions to the BRP Sierra Madre were also addressed, with Zhou stating that talks occurred in 2021. However, since the beginning of this year, the Philippine government purportedly deviated from the existing consensus and initiated unilateral actions.
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) of the Philippines has yet to release an official statement in response to Zhou’s claims.
While tensions have escalated in the South China Sea, Zhou emphasized that China has consistently expressed its willingness to resolve differences through bilateral dialogue. He also highlighted China’s readiness to accelerate consultations on a code of conduct for the region, in collaboration with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
The assertion that the Philippines had committed to removing its grounded vessel, specifically the BRP Sierra Madre, from Ayungin Shoal was met with skepticism by Philippine officials.
Jonathan Malaya, assistant director general of the National Security Council, challenged China’s claim, asserting that there was no formal record or agreement to support this assertion.
This latest development adds to the ongoing complexity of the South China Sea issue. As of now, formal response from the Philippines to these recent statements by the Chinese official is eagerly anticipated.