Aquino calls for restraint on Chinese fishing boats near Scarborough Shoal

MANILA, Philippines—President Aquino on Thursday steered clear of a fresh word war with China over the presence of Chinese fishing vessels around Pagasa Island, calling for restraint in the country’s search for a peaceful solution to the dispute over the Spratly Islands.

“Perhaps I will no longer comment on the actions of other countries since the whole world is witness to what is happening in the Panatag Shoal (Scarborough),’’ Mr. Aquino told reporters after speaking at the 114th anniversary of the Department of Foreign Affairs in Pasay City.

The President also sought to downplay a warning by the international think tank International Crisis Group that tensions over claims to the Spratly Islands could escalate into armed conflict, but said the country was “ready’’ for this.

“We are always ready based on our limitations,” he said in response to a question on whether the country was ready for such a conflict. He said any talk of armed conflict only “enhances the prospects of having an armed conflict.’’

Military sources said that a fleet of 20 fishing vessels, believed to be escorted by at least two naval frigates of the People’s Liberation Army, were deployed around Pagasa Island, which is 480 kilometers off southwestern Palawan.

The largest of the five islands and islets in the Spratlys being claimed by the Philippines, Pagasa has a 1.3-km airstrip used by the Philippine military to transport troops and supplies.

Aquino said the country should exercise restraint and conduct thorough research in finding a peaceful solution to the dispute.