MANILa, Philippines — The Philippines confirmed Thursday that Chinese Coast Guard ships had left an area in the disputed South China Sea, but stressed the ships’ recent presence in the region may be used to bolster its arbitration case against Beijing in a ruling expected to be handed down in May.
In a statement, the Department of Foreign Affairs said defense authorities reported seeing the ships at the Quirino or Jackson atolls two weeks ago although “there are no more sightings of the Chinese vessels as of today.”
It further said that “The department is monitoring reports on the situation on the ground and reiterates its call for china to exercise self-restraint from the conduct of activities that could complicate or escalate disputes in the South China Sea and affect peace and stability in the region.” (Eagle News Service)
