By Genalyn Kabiling
Filipinos are still allowed to freely fish in Panatag Shoal based on a friendly arrangement between the Philippines and China, a Chinese diplomat said Tuesday.
Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Zhao Jianhua made the assurance after President Duterte raised concerns about welfare of Filipino fishermen during their brief conversation at the Philippine Independence Day celebration in Cavite.
“President Duterte shared his concern about the Filipino fishermen,” Zhao said during an interview with reporters at the sidelines of the freedom rites in Kawit.
“The friendly arrangement to allow Filipino fishermen to fish in the waters around Huangyan or Scarborough is going to be there. It will not be changed. That means they can go back and fish there freely,” he added.
Zhao noted that the fishing arrangement in Scaborough Shoal was reached during the previous meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and President Duterte.