PCG: Philippines to continue exposing Chinese aggression in West Philippine Sea

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine government will continue exposing China’s aggression in the West Philippine Sea, declared an official of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).

Previously, Department of Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Theresa Lazaro and China’s Assistant Foreign Minister Nong Rong held a meeting where they “presented their respective positions on the Ayungin Shoal, and assured each other of their mutual commitment to avoid escalation of tensions,” according to the DFA.

Previous face-offs between Philippine and Chinese coast guard and maritime authorities in parts of the West Philippine Sea turned hostile, with the Chinese blocking Philippine vessels and even targeting water cannons at them.

In a post on Twitter, PCG Commodore Jay Tarriela wrote he “hope(d) China will now know the meaning of commitment and sincerity, that whatever you promised and agreed upon on the conversation table should also be implemented on the ground.”

“On our part, we will never hesitate to continue exposing their aggression and provocative actions that heighten the tension in the West Philippine Sea, if ever there will still be,” he added.

Tarriela also said the Philippines’ “continuous assertive transparency will prove to the world whether China truly honors their words or it remained disconnected with their actions.”

The Philippines asserts its sovereignty and fishing rights on its exclusive economic zone as decided in the landmark 2016 ruling, while China continues to reject the verdict, proclaiming they have rights over the South China Sea based on history.

Meanwhile, former Supreme Court associate justice Antonio Carpio declared that it was “good” the Philippines and China continues to talk, but this would “not resolve the dispute.”