MANILA: China has expressed concern that the Philippines might build structures in Ayungin Shoal, an area well within Manila’s exclusive economic zone.
China, which has set up structures in areas it is claiming in the West Philippine Sea, raised the issue during an informal talk between Chinese Ambassador Ma Keqing and Defence Secretary Voltaire Gazmin at Camp Aguinaldo.
Gazmin assured the ambassador that the government is sending ships to the shoal to deliver supplies to soldiers monitoring the area.
“They were concerned that the Philippines is coming up with structures, additional structures in the Ayungin Shoal,” Gazmin said.
“I told her that the ship that is moving toward Ayungin Shoal is only for provisions of food and water for soldiers who are there,” he added.
In an apparent effort to defuse tensions, the Philippines assured China that it has no plans to build infrastructure on Ayungin Shoal.
“The ships are also for the rotation of troops. We cannot place people there permanently. They’ll go insane,” Gazmin said.
Ma evaded questions about West Philippine Sea issues, saying that her talk with Gazmin was mainly about friendly relations 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,” she said.
When asked whether they talked about the Philippines’ diplomatic protest against China, Ma said: “Sorry, I really have to go. See you later.”
Ma was the one who initiated the informal talk with Gazmin, which lasted about 10 minutes. She sought an audience with Gazmin on the sidelines of the celebration of the Peacekeepers Day at Camp Aguinaldo.
“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 both appeared serious. They, however, were seen smiling at each other as they parted.
THE PHILIPPINE STAR
