Aquino: New Chinese ships spotted in Recto Bank

MANILA, Philippines - Amid calls for a freeze on provocative actions in the disputed waters, President Benigno Aquino III said new Chinese vessels have been seen in the West Philippine Sea.

In an exclusive interview with TV5 fully aired on Sunday night, Aquino cited a military report on the presence of the Chinese hydrographic research vessels at the resource-rich Recto Bank.

Aquino pointed out that the Recto Bank is well within the country's Exclusive Economic Zone since it is just 80 nautical miles from Palawan.

"Anong ginagawa nila diyan? Anong studies nila? Sana hindi nagbabadya ito ng mas malaking o dagdag o panibagong tensyon na naman sa ating dalawa," Aquino told TV5.

It was not stated in the aired interview when the military spotted the Chinese ships.

Aquino recalled that earlier during his term as President, a ship commissioned by the Philippine government to do natural gas and oil exploration in Recto Bank was sent away by a Chinese vessel.

The President described China's attitude towards the territorial disputes as "seasonal" but the incursions continue.

"Kapag kausap natin ang Tsina, with all due respect, parang season-season.  May season na belligerent. May season na friendly. May charm offensive at may panahon naman na hindi," Aquino said.

The Philippines has proposed a Triple Action Plan to deescalate and manage tensions in the contested territories.

On the immediate level, the Philippines is seeking a US-backed moratorium on construction efforts and other activities that may increase maritime tensions. On the intermediate level, the country is calling for the completion of a binding sea Code of Conduct.

On the final approach, the Philippines has filed an arbitration case in a United Nations tribunal that would clarify the maritime entitlements of claimant countries in the South China Sea.