China: Door of dialogue still open

(UPDATE) CHINA said it is keeping the door of dialogue and communication open with the Philippines despite the dispute in the South China Sea.

During a press conference on Wednesday, China’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Mao Ning stressed that sincere dialogue is necessary, and agreements reached during a dialogue must be followed through.

Mao was reacting to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s concern that the new ruling to be enforced by the China Coast Guard calling for the detention of “trespassers” in the South China Sea could lead to “an escalation of the situation.”

China’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Mao Ning

Marcos has pledged to take any opportunity to engage with China to halt aggressive actions and secure the rights of Filipino fishermen in the South China Sea.

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Mao said the China Coast Guard merely wants to standardize the administrative law-enforcement procedures and maintain order at sea.

“These regulations align with international norms and practices,” she said. “Individuals and entities do not need to be concerned as long as they have not done anything illicit.”

Beginning June 15, the Chinese coast guard will detain foreigners “illegally” sailing into parts of the South China Sea that China claims as part of its territory.

The regulation was announced days after civilian boats sailed into the Bajo de Masinloc or Scarborough Shoal to deliver fuel and food to Filipino fishermen.

Bajo de Masinloc is well within the West Philippine Sea, although China also claims ownership of the shoal.

Under the ruling, trespassers can be held for up to 60 days without trial.

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