China’s Foreign Ministry on Friday (April 7) expressed concern after a statement from Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s office said he had ordered troops to occupy uninhabited islands and shoals that the Philippines claims in the disputed waterway.
The statement, released on Thursday (April 6), was, however, clarified by the Philippines defense department as saying that the order was only for the upgrade of existing facilities in the already inhabited islands of the Philippines.
“Regarding the situation you refer to, the Chinese side has noted the relevant reports. We are concerned about this. We hope that the Philippines side can continue to properly manage maritime disputes with the Chinese side, and jointly protect the healthy, stable growth of Chinese-Philippines relations,” said Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Hua Chunying.
But on Friday, Philippine defense and military officials said it will upgrade existing facilities on its inhabited islands and reefs in the South China Sea and not occupy new territories, adhering to a 2002 informal code in the disputed waters.
China claims almost the entire South China Sea, where about $5 trillion worth of seaborne goods pass every year. Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam and Taiwan also have claims.
In May, the Philippines and China are set to hold talks in China on the sea row. (with a Reuters report)
