A Chinese military vessel fires water cannon at Philippine boat M/L Kalayaan during a resupply mission in Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal in the West Philippine Sea on Dec. 10, 2023. The boat had to be towed back to port without completing its mission due to significant damage from the attack. PHOTO FROM PCG
MANILA, Philippines — The National Security Council (NSC) welcomes China’s offer of dialogue to resolve the several issues on the West Philippine Sea (WPS), but there should be “mutual respect and sincerity” between two sides, its spokesperson Jonathan Malaya said on Tuesday.
China, through its foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning, earlier said that its “door of dialogue” remains open with the Philippines, but it will continue to protect its interests.
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“We welcome China’s offer of dialogue, negotiation and consultation but for it to prosper, China must immediately stop its bullying, aggressive actions, and illegal moves in the West Philippine Sea which seriously undermines regional peace and security,” Malaya told INQUIRER.net in a Viber message.
“Dialogue can only succeed in an atmosphere of mutual respect and sincerity between two sovereign nations. The Philippines is ready to reciprocate provided the bullying, harassment, and aggressive actions are ended immediately,” he added.
China asserts sovereignty in almost the entire South China Sea, including most of the WPS, but an international tribunal ruling in 2016 effectively dismissed this while ruling heavily in favor of the Philippines.