Philippines: no immediate return of Chinese boats

MANILA, Philippines—The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said authorities will determine “through a legal process” whether to return to China several small fishing boats seized near the disputed Spratly Islands.

China has asked the Philippines to return the dinghies, which the navy seized last week from the Reed Bank in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea). China and the Philippines dispute ownership of the bank.

DFA spokesman Raul Hernandez said without elaborating Tuesday in Manila that “the disposition of the boats will be in accordance with a legal process.”

Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario said the Chinese boats strayed into the country’s territorial waters and the Philippine government will not apologize to China.