Don’t ‘stir up trouble’, China urges PH after PCG removes shoal barrier

‘SPECIAL OPERATION’ | A video grab from undated footage provided by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) shows the removal of the barrier set up by the China Coast Guard in Panatag Shoal (Scarborough Shoal) to keep Filipino fishermen from their traditional fishing ground off Zambales province. (Photo from the PCG)

MANILA, Philippines — China urged the Philippines not “to stir up trouble” on Tuesday, a day after the Philippine Coast Guard removed a floating barrier that the China Coast Guard had placed at Scarborough Shoal.

“China’s resolve in safeguarding its sovereignty and maritime rights and interests over Huangyan Dao [Scarborough Shoal] is unwavering. We call on the Philippines not to make provocation or stir up trouble,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said in a press conference.

Wang’s remark was in response to a journalist seeking the ministry’s comment on the removal of the barrier.

READ: PH to take appropriate measure to protect its sovereignty, says DFA

READ: Scarborough shoal standoff: A timeline

On Monday, Wang said China put up the barriers after a Philippine vessel “intruded” into the adjacent waters of Scarborough Shoal and attempted to enter its lagoon.

China’s claim over almost the entire South China Sea has l,song been refuted by the 2016 ruling of the Permanent Court of Arbitration, which favored the Philippines.

The ruling declared that the Philippines has exclusive sovereign rights over the West Philippine Sea, disproving China’s nine-dash line claim.

ATM