China to Obama: Be fair in dealing with maritime disputes

Chinese President Xi Jinping. AP FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines – Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday urged United States (US) President Barack Obama to adopt an “objective and fair attitude” in dealing with China’s maritime claims over the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea).

Chinese state news agency Xinhua quoted Xi as saying, “On the issues of the East and South China Sea, the US side ought to adopt an objective and fair attitude, distinguish right from wrong, and to do more to push for an appropriate resolution and improve the situation.”

Xinhua said the two leaders attended the Nuclear Security Summit in the Netherlands.

China is in a maritime dispute with the Philippines over its claim on the West Philippine Sea particularly the Scarborough or Panatag shoal.

Tensions have risen between China and the Philippines over the past weeks due to China’s aggressive naval defense moves, the latest of which is the firing of water cannons to Filipino fishermen to drive them away from the disputed Panatag shoal.

China also has maritime disputes with its other neighboring countries like Japan and Vietnam.

It has been firm in saying that the US should not intervene in these disputes.

Amid this apparent threat, the Philippines and the United States have ongoing talks to deepen defense cooperation between the two allied countries.

This Tuesday, a USS Michigan submarine is expected to arrive in Subic Bay, Zambales for a routine port call.

The US embassy in a statement said the routine port call highlights the strong historic, community, and military connections between the US and the Philippines.

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