'No threat in deployment of Chinese boats in Spratlys'

MANILA, Philippines - Malacañang downplayed yesterday China’s deployment of patrol boats to the disputed Spratly islands in the South China Sea.

Press Secretary Cerge Remonde said China’s actions were expected, and that the Philippines would always take the diplomatic route in dealing with them.

“We still believe that China will conduct itself in accordance with the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea which it has bound itself to as a matter of international comity,” he said.

The government would continue to closely monitor developments in the disputed islands and “make the appropriate actions and reactions at whatever level is necessary,” he added.

China has been deploying patrol boats to the Spratly islands and the number of such boats has increased since Congress passed the Baselines Bill, which defines the country’s territory, including some of the disputed islands.

It was reported yesterday that at least six patrol vessels belonging to provincial units of the Maritime Safety Bureau of China have been sent to the South China Sea in recent weeks, with several others being prepared for departure.       – Marvin Sy