Philippines urged to ensure Chinese citizens safe
Source: Agencies/Shanghai Daily |
May 11, 2012, Friday
|
Print Edition
Print Edition
CHINA has urged the Philippines to ensure the safety of its citizens ahead of planned anti-Chinese protests, as tensions mount over a standoff in the South China Sea.
A protest in Manila of about 1,000 people, organized by Philippine civil society and political groups, is planned to take place today.
There are fears it risks worsening strains over Huangyan Island waters.
The two countries are engaged in a more than month-long confrontation that began when the Philippines sent a warship to harass 12 Chinese fishing vessels which sailed into the waters of Huangyan Island to shelter from bad weather. Two Chinese maritime surveillance ships then arrived to protect the fishermen.
China's Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said the protest plans had "aroused the concern and strong reaction of the Chinese public at home and abroad."
He told reporters: "China is paying close attention to the safety of the Chinese people and institutions in the Philippines, and demands that the Philippines provide effective assurances for their safety."
Chinese travel agencies have suspended tourist packages to the Philippines and promised refunds to customers who have booked trips.
On Tuesday, China's embassy in Manila posted an advisory on its website asking its citizens to stay indoors, avoid demonstrations and refrain from confrontations with local residents.
Protest organizers plan similar actions at China's embassies and consulates in the United States, Canada, Australia, Italy and some Asian capitals. China has accused Manila of using the standoff to incite domestic opinion that has damaged Sino-Philippine relations.
Hong said China would closely follow indications from the Philippine foreign minister that Manila would put forward a new proposal to ease friction.
The Liberation Army Daily hinted that China would not flinch from a military response if the conflict escalates.
"What we want to say is that anyone who tries in vain to seize sovereignty of Huangyan Island will be rebuffed by the Chinese government, Chinese people, and even more the Chinese military," a commentary in the military paper said.
A protest in Manila of about 1,000 people, organized by Philippine civil society and political groups, is planned to take place today.
There are fears it risks worsening strains over Huangyan Island waters.
The two countries are engaged in a more than month-long confrontation that began when the Philippines sent a warship to harass 12 Chinese fishing vessels which sailed into the waters of Huangyan Island to shelter from bad weather. Two Chinese maritime surveillance ships then arrived to protect the fishermen.
China's Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said the protest plans had "aroused the concern and strong reaction of the Chinese public at home and abroad."
He told reporters: "China is paying close attention to the safety of the Chinese people and institutions in the Philippines, and demands that the Philippines provide effective assurances for their safety."
Chinese travel agencies have suspended tourist packages to the Philippines and promised refunds to customers who have booked trips.
On Tuesday, China's embassy in Manila posted an advisory on its website asking its citizens to stay indoors, avoid demonstrations and refrain from confrontations with local residents.
Protest organizers plan similar actions at China's embassies and consulates in the United States, Canada, Australia, Italy and some Asian capitals. China has accused Manila of using the standoff to incite domestic opinion that has damaged Sino-Philippine relations.
Hong said China would closely follow indications from the Philippine foreign minister that Manila would put forward a new proposal to ease friction.
The Liberation Army Daily hinted that China would not flinch from a military response if the conflict escalates.
"What we want to say is that anyone who tries in vain to seize sovereignty of Huangyan Island will be rebuffed by the Chinese government, Chinese people, and even more the Chinese military," a commentary in the military paper said.
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