BEIJING – China has committed not to occupy Pag-asa Island and continue to safeguard the traditional fishing ground in the disputed South China Sea, a Filipino diplomat here said Wednesday.
Philippine Ambassador to China Jose Santiago Sta. Romana relayed China’s assurance after he disclosed that the country recently asked Beijing to exercise self-restraint and keep “appropriate distance” from Pag-asa Island to avoid an escalation of the conflict.
“Our position is that KIG, the Kalayaan Island Group, belongs to the Philippines. The Chinese position is opposite, they claim all of the Spratlys. So we have basic differences but we have agreed that we should deal with these differences through peaceful and diplomatic means,” he said.
“In terms of Pag-asa, through the diplomatic discussions, the Chinese have sought to reassure us that they have no intention to use force or to occupy Pag-asa,” he said.
Sta. Romana said so far, there has been no interdiction in the supply lines going to Pag-asa Island as well as Ayungin Shoal. “The supply lines to Pag-asa, there have been no interdiction. It continues. And that is the assurance we’re getting,” he added.
Also, he said China gave a reassurance that “the traditional fishing rights of the Filipino fishermen there will be safeguarded, together with those of the Chinese.”
Sta. Romana said the Philippine government welcomes China’s fresh assurance but would remain vigilant to protect the country’s interest and prevent any loss of territory. He noted that Manila must “combine diplomacy with deterrence.”
“The diplomatic action is take them on their word but verify and keep your vigilance high. So trust but verify so this is our attitude. We welcome any reassurance of you know, that there won’t be any act of force against our people, against our soldiers,” he said. (Genalyn Kabiling)