China warns Philippines: Don’t abuse ‘goodwill’

MANILA, Philippines — China warned that the Philippines will face consequences if Manila abuses Beijing’s “goodwill” as volunteers of a civilian-led coalition successfully reached Panatag Shoal and concluded their mission.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry on Wednesday said China made a goodwill arrangement in 2016 for Filipino fishermen to fish with a small number of small fishing boats in the adjacent waters of Panatag Shoal, while Beijing continues to oversee and monitor their activities.

“If the Philippines abuses China’s goodwill and infringes upon China’s territorial sovereignty and jurisdiction, we will defend our rights and take countermeasures in accordance with the law,” said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin.

Rafaela David, one of the co-convenors of Atin Ito, said the distribution of the fuel and food packs by the convoy’s advance team was successful.

The mission overcame the China Coast Guard and Chinese maritime militia blockades and reached 25 to 30 nautical miles or 46 to 56 kilometers from the shoal.

In 2016, China stopped blocking Filipino fishermen and they were able to operate in Scarborough Shoal following former president Rodrigo Duterte’s visit to China.

A Hague-based arbitral tribunal voided in 2016 China’s maritime claim, which virtually covers the entire South China Sea.

China has refused to recognize the ruling, prompting the Philippines and other countries to urge Beijing to respect the rule of law.

China has also drawn flak for harassing Filipino fishing boats and for using water cannons on vessels conducting resupply missions to the BRP Sierra Madre, a rusty ship that serves as a Philippine Navy installation in Ayungin Shoal.