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HEADLINES
China hit Ph plan to build Ayungin facilities
By Nidz Godino
"Ren'ai Jiao is uninhabited shoal…according to Declaration on the Conduct (DOC) of Parties in the South China Sea signed by China and ASEAN countries, parties should keep Ren'ai Jiao uninhabited and facility-free," Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning hit back at Philippine armed forces over plan to build permanent structure at Ayungin Shoal in bid to protect country's sovereignty over West Philippine Sea.
In her regular press briefing Mao Ning accused Philippines of "reneging" on its commitment to remove BRP Sierra Madre , rusting wartime ship grounded there and to keep Ren'ai Jiao , Ayungin Shoal "facility-free."
"On Ren'ai Jiao issue, Philippines reneged on its words, changed its policy, infringed on China's sovereignty and made provocations again and again and triggered complex situations," she added.
Mao Ning said "this would be another major move Philippines could take to go back on its words, change its policy and undermine uninhabited and facility-free status of Ren'ai Jiao."
Erlier, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesman Col. Medel Aguilar was quoted saying civilian structure is earmarked for funding in Philippine 2024 national budget,
"Spokesperson of Armed Forces of the Philippines blatantly claimed Philippines will build permanent structure," Mao Ning said.
"This will severely infringe on China's sovereignty, violate international law and DOC…. China will take resolute measures against any violation of our sovereignty and provocation, and firmly safeguard our territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests," she added.
In Dec. 26 media report, Aguilar was quoted as saying permanent structure in Ayungin could be shelter for fisherfolk who were being blocked by China from fishing in the area.
In Dec. 12, former Supreme Court senior associate justice Antonio Carpio suggested lighthouse or marine research center is civilian structure that should be built at Ayungin Shoal, located at Spratly Islands near Kalayaan municipality in Palawan.
"We should put up civilian structure at Ayungin because it is part of our exclusive economic zone… only us has right to build structures there under United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea," Carpio then said.
Senate finance committee chair Sonny Angara had let slip budget for civilian structure is included in country's P5.768-trillion national budget next year.
"There is funding there so that our ships have somewhere to go to," Angara said without giving more details.
During budget debates at Senate in August, Sen. Francis Escudero proposed P100-million budget for pier and lodging facility at Ayungin for both Filipino troops and fisherfolk to take shelter during rough seas.
Escudero said permanent structure could be "suitable" replacement for grounded wartime ship BRP Sierra Madre.
When 2024 budget was ratified in the Senate, Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri said there is funding for Department of Environment and Natural Resources to set up marine research center in one of West Philippine Sea features. He did not disclose amount.
Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is firm on its stand in asserting Philippine sovereignty in West Philippine Sea over China, as former engages with more countries for further capacity-building.
In a post on X "China's national English language newspaper Chinese Defense Ministry spokesman Wu Qian reacted to "French plan to hold joint patrols with Philippines in South China Sea and joint drill between Philippines and India in the region."
" China-Philippines maritime dispute is an issue between two countries, and no third party has any right to interfere," Wu said.
In response, PCG Commodore Jay Tarriela defended Philippines' plans to involve other countries in military capacity-building.
"By engaging in military collaborations with other countries that support rules-based order, Philippines can not only prevent China's domination, but also deter its illegal bullying and aggressive behavior, France's intention to conduct joint patrols not only demonstrates its support for Philippines, but also reinforces our claim increasing number of states believe in our legal backing in asserting sovereignty and sovereign rights in West Philippine Sea compared with baseless 10-dash line claim of China" Tarriela wrote on X.
In a separate statement, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan said agency "recognized significance of stronger partnerships with foreign counterparts, including United States, Japan, Australia, Republic of Korea and Germany, in developing PCG and becoming organization of world-class guardians of the sea."
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