China defies Scarborough agreement - DFA

The presence of additional Chinese fishing vessels at the Scarborough Shoal (Panatag) is a violation of an agreement between Manila and Beijing to keep the status quo  in  the standoff between the two claimants.

Assistant Secretary Raul Hernandez, Department of  Foreign Affairs spokesman, disclosed on Monday  that there are now six Chinese vessels at the Shoal -  five fishing vessels and one Chinese surveillance ship.

"We are still protesting that (the presence of additional Chinese ships in the area),” Hernandez said.

Hernandez said there is still a standing protest by the  Philippine government that a status quo in the Scarborough Shoal be observed while the matter is being resolved.

"There is an agreement with the Secretary (Albert del Rosario) and Chinese representative that no actions should be undertaken as far as Scarborough Shoal is concerned," he added. Hernandez also said Beijing must take steps that would indicate its willingness to resolve the dsipute diplomatically and would build trust between China and Philippines.

He said he has no idea if the three new Chinese vessels that recently arrived in the area are also conducted poaching activities in the area.

"We have not had received any report from the Coast Guard but is monitoring the activities in the area," he said.

Hernandez also said  the big Chinese vessel has already left the area.

"The big one is not there," he said, referring to the Chinese vessel which arrived at the disputed Scarborough Shoal to back up  the other fishing boats.

He said the Philippine government also reiterated to the Chinese government to resolve the standoff  in the proper forum.

"Our lines are open to Chinese representatives," he said, adding that the Philippine government is still waiting for Beijing’s reply to Manila’s invitation to sit down and resolve the matter.