MANILA, Philippines - China is concerned that the Philippines might build structures in Ayungin Shoal, an area well within Manila’s exclusive economic zone.
China, notorious for building structures in disputed areas it is claiming, raised the issue during an informal talk between Chinese Ambassador Ma Keqing and Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin in Camp Aguinaldo on Wednesday.
Gazmin, however, said the government is just sending ships in the shoal to provide supplies to soldiers monitoring the area.
“They (China) were concerned that the Philippines is coming up with structures, additional structures in the Ayungin Shoal,†the defense chief told reporters in an ambush interview.
“I told her (Ma) that the ship that is moving towards Ayungin Shoal is only for provisions of food and water for soldiers who are there,†he added.
China’s move came as a surprise as it seems to be questioning the Philippines’ actions in its own territory.
The Philippines, however, assured China that is has no plans to build infrastructure in Ayungin Shoal in an apparent effort to deescalate tensions.
“We will not violate the agreement by building new structures. We said we will just bring provisions, supply like water and food and personnel there,†Gazmin said.
“The ships are also for the rotation of troops. We cannot place people there permanently. They’ll go insane,†he added.
Chinese envoy initiated the talk
In an ambush interview, Ma evaded questions about West Philippine Sea issues, claiming that her talk with Gazmin was just about the relationship between China and the Philippines.
“We also talked about the balanced relations. I think China is ready to develop cooperation and very good exchanges between the two sides because this year is the year of friendly exchanges between our two countries,†the Chinese envoy said.
“We are ready to promote the cooperation and exchanges between the two countries,†she added.
When asked whether they talked about the Philippines’ diplomatic protest against China, Ma said: “Sorry, I really I have to go, see you later.â€
Ma initiated the informal talk with Gazmin, which lasted for about 10 minutes. She sought audience with Gazmin on the sidelines of the celebration of the Peacekeepers Day in Camp Aguinaldo.
Sources said Ma seemed to be determined to meet with Gazmin, who took her to a corner of the Armed Forces Commissioned Officers Club.
“I’d like to talk to the secretary. I have a message for him,†Ma was quoted by a source as saying.
Nobody heard the conversation between Gazmin and Ma, who appeared serious in explaining their points. They, however, were seen smiling at each other as they parted.
Ayungin Shoal is 105.77 nautical miles from Palawan and forms part of the Philippines’ 200 nautical mile exclusive economic zone.
It is part of the Kalayaan Island Group off Palawan and is one of the areas occupied by the Philippines in the West Philippine Sea.
On May 10, the Philippines filed a protest against China for its illegal deployment of vessels around the shoal.
The protest decried the provocative presence of two Chinese maritime surveillance vessel and one warship around the area, which constitutes a violation of international law.
China claims virtually the entire West Philippine Sea while the Philippines, Malaysia, Vietnam, Brunei and Taiwan have overlapping claims in the area.
Chinese tightens grip in West Phl Sea
China has been asserting its claims in the West Philippine Sea by building structures in disputed areas in a move that raised concerns among other claimants in the region.
It has built a military garrison in the Mischief Reef or Panganiban Reef, one of the areas being claimed by the Philippines.
Mischief Reef, which is about 70 nautical miles from Palawan, has been occupied by China since 1995.
China initially built structures on stilts at the reef, supposedly to provide shelter for fishermen but these were later on transformed into a military garrison with powerful radars.
China has also installed a powerful radar station in Subi Reef, an islet 12 nautical miles southwest of Pag-asa Island, which is part of Kalayaan Island. The Chinese began constructing the four-story structure, including a lighthouse about seven years ago.
China has also sent ships around the Panatag Shoal (Scarborough Shoal), another Philippine-owned area located124 nautical miles from the nearest base point in Zambales.