Philippines urged to be clear over island standoff
Source: Xinhua |
May 18, 2012, Friday
|
Print Edition
Print Edition
CHINA yesterday called on the Philippines to send clear and consistent messages on diplomatic solutions to the ongoing standoff between the two countries in the South China Sea.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei made the remarks at a routine press briefing when asked to comment on what Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario had said recently about bilateral ties.
On Wednesday, Del Rosario said that he hoped a breakthrough would soon end the dispute so the two countries could resume normal relations, but he also urged the Philippine people to unite and defend their territories.
Hong said China had noted the remarks as well as other positive statements from the Philippine side on maintaining bilateral ties. He called for clear and consistent diplomatic solutions from the Philippines to the current situation, which would be conducive to dialogues between the two sides.
Media reports said that the Philippines had imposed a two-month fishing ban around Huangyan Island in the South China Sea. Reportedly having started on Wednesday and due to end on July 15, it follows the introduction of similar ban by China which will end on August 1.
Repeating that Huangyan Island is an inherent part of Chinese territory, Hong said China has long been implementing a summer fishing moratorium in the area. Imposed annually since 1999, the move is aimed at protecting fish stocks.
Meanwhile, it has been reported that Philippine President Benigno Aquino on Wednesday named veteran banker Cesar Zalamea and Philippine-Chinese business leader Domingo Lee as "special envoys" to China.
During their six-month assignment, both are tasked with promoting friendly exchanges between the two governments, helping Philippine officials visit China, and persuading greater numbers of Chinese tourists to visit the Philippines, according to reports.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei made the remarks at a routine press briefing when asked to comment on what Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario had said recently about bilateral ties.
On Wednesday, Del Rosario said that he hoped a breakthrough would soon end the dispute so the two countries could resume normal relations, but he also urged the Philippine people to unite and defend their territories.
Hong said China had noted the remarks as well as other positive statements from the Philippine side on maintaining bilateral ties. He called for clear and consistent diplomatic solutions from the Philippines to the current situation, which would be conducive to dialogues between the two sides.
Media reports said that the Philippines had imposed a two-month fishing ban around Huangyan Island in the South China Sea. Reportedly having started on Wednesday and due to end on July 15, it follows the introduction of similar ban by China which will end on August 1.
Repeating that Huangyan Island is an inherent part of Chinese territory, Hong said China has long been implementing a summer fishing moratorium in the area. Imposed annually since 1999, the move is aimed at protecting fish stocks.
Meanwhile, it has been reported that Philippine President Benigno Aquino on Wednesday named veteran banker Cesar Zalamea and Philippine-Chinese business leader Domingo Lee as "special envoys" to China.
During their six-month assignment, both are tasked with promoting friendly exchanges between the two governments, helping Philippine officials visit China, and persuading greater numbers of Chinese tourists to visit the Philippines, according to reports.
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