đˇ Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning | fmprc.gov.cn
A TOP official of the Chinese Foreign Ministry has admitted blocking and ramming a Philippine Navy rigid hull inflatable boat transporting a sick soldier to a Manila hospital for immediate medical attention.
In a press briefing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning insisted that Ayungin shoal, which they refer to as Renâai Jiao, is part of their territory, adding that the Philippine government should first ask permission from China.
âIf the Philippines notifies the Chinese side in advance, we can allow delivery of living necessities to the grounded warship or evacuation of personnel concerned,â Mao told reporters.
The Chinese official also took a swipe at the Philippine government, which he claimed has been using lame excuses to advance its interest.
âThe Philippines should not use this as an excuse for delivering construction materials in an attempt to permanently occupy Renâai Jiao,â Mao said.
Interestingly, Ayungin shoal is well within the 200-nautical mile Philippine exclusive economic zone.
Previously, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) accused the Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) of intentionally blocking and ramming into Philippine boats performing medical evacuation in the West Philippine Sea.
According to Mao, the CCG is bound to do what is for the best interest of China even as he accused Manila anew of trying to sneak in construction supplies to permanently occupy Ayungin Shoal in the West Philippine Sea.
However, Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson for WPS Commodore Jay Tarriela quelled Chinaâs insinuation. He said that the Philippine Navy rigid hull inflatable boat made a radio message to the CCG informing them about the humanitarian nature of the mission.
The mission was to evacuate an ailing soldier stationed at BRP Sierra Madre, which serves as the Philippine governmentâs naval outpost.
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has yet to issue a statement regarding the Chinese Foreign Ministryâs admission. (ANGEL F. JOSE)
