China: Phl incursion claims, 'bad rumor'

MANILA, Philippines – The Chinese government today said that the renewed tension in the South China Sea started off with a “bad rumor” from the Philippine government.

“It’s rather unfortunate that the issue on the current dispute over the area which started two weeks ago, everything was started [by] a bad rumor,” said Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Liu Jianchao.

The Philippines’ claimed of several Chinese intrusion in its claimed areas in Spratly Islands this year, including the sightings of Chinese vessels off the coast of Palawan province.

“It is a bad rumor because we have no intention of occupying one of the islands. We clarified that it was a scientific survey, not by military vessels but vessels for the survey,” the Chinese ambassador said.

He also contested the Philippines’ claim over Iroquois (Amy Douglas) Bank in the West Philippine Sea, where Chinese marine surveillance vessels were sighted.

“We can’t accept that it is part of Philippine territory because China, as we said, claims sovereignty over these areas,” Liu said.

The Chinese official also called on the Philippines to find an appropriate settlement over the row as he insisted that China has territorial rights over South China Sea including the disputed Spratlys.

“Let me reaffirm that China is firm by its claim to the territorial sovereignty over the area and at the same time China is also firm in committing itself to a peaceful settlement of the issue,” he said.

“I hope that all countries will face it with reality,” he pointed out, adding “so we can move forward to a constructive approach and find an effective and practical settlement.”

He explained that China have been exercising jurisdiction and sovereignty over the disputed islands centuries ago, dating back to the Tang Dynasty in the 7^th century. He said that claims of other countries over these waters started only after the World War 2.

“The only way to settle the disputes is through peaceful consultations and dialogues,” he insisted.

He also said that China remains interested in joint exploration projects with other countries, including the Philippines, in the disputed territories.