MANILA: The Philippines navy is seen to be taking a different line when it comes to dealing with China in the South China Sea issue, which might complicate attempts by other claimants to stop Beijing from encroaching on their area.
Though some have pressured the government of President Rodrigo Duterte to harden the Philippines stand, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) believes sitting down with its Chinese counterpart was the best way to end the maritime dispute concerning the West Philippine Sea, said The Philippines Star.
The Philippine government would not close its doors despite previous encounters with the Chinese side, said PCG chief Commandant Admiral Joel Garcia.
“We know people will understand that if hard feelings remain between two persons without talking it out, the conflict will go on. It is not good for the family,” said the portal, quoting Garcia.
He said the government might just as well stop talking with China if they just dwell on the past incidences of China Coast Guard harassing Filipino fishermen.
“We should not commit ourselves to that isolated cases. We have to discuss these things through the bilateral meeting, and then move forward,” said Garcia.
But The Inquirer questioned CCG motives in relations to PCG when its vessel visited the Philippines for a week to promote friendship and cooperation.
While that was going on, one of CCG’s sister ships was spotted moving “back and forth” near the Philippine-occupied Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal in the West Philippine Sea, likely to intimidate the Philippine troops there, said The Inquirer.
In a report to the United States Congress in March, head of US Indo-Pacific Command chief Admiral Philip Davidson informed that Chinese coast guard vessels regularly harass and intimidate fishing vessels from the Philippines, operating near Scarborough Reef, as well as fishing fleets of other regional nations.
Garcia’s statements might not be well regarded by other claimants, including Vietnam and Malaysia, while Indonesia has taken a stronger stand seen recently when its show of force forced Chinese vessels to withdraw from Natuna Islands.