Bumuwelta ang China kaugnay sa mga naglalabasang pahayag ng ilang opisyal ng Pilipinas ukol sa pananatili ng mga Chinese vessels sa Julian Felipe Reef sa West Philippine Sea.
Iginiit ni Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian ang tinutukoy ng Pilipinas na Julian Felipe Reef ay ang kanilang Niu’e Jiao na bahagi ng Nansha Islands.
“The reef and the waters around it have always been an important fishing ground and shelter for Chinese fishermen. It is completely normal for Chinese fishing vessels to fish in the waters and take shelter during rough sea conditions,” sabi nito.
Iginiit din niya na hindi nila kinikilala ang desisyon ng International Arbitral Tribunal noong 2016 na pumapabor sa Pilipinas sa pakikipag-agawan sa ilang bahagi ng West Philippine Sea sa China.
“The Tribunal’s Award in the “South China Sea Arbitration” is illegal, null and void. China neither accepts nor recognizes the award, and we firmly oppose any claims or actions based on the award. China’s sovereignty, rights and interests in the South China Sea have been formed throughout a long course of history and are consistent with international law,” sabi pa ng opisyal.
Aniya umaasa din ito na titigilan na ng Pilipinas ang pagpapalaki sa isyu ng kanilang mga sasakyan pandagat sa South China Sea.
“We hope the Philippines will look at this objectively and correctly, immediately stop wanton hype-up, and avoid casting negative influence on bilateral relations and the overall peace and stability in the South China Sea,” sabi pa ni Zhao.
Tuwiran din naman nitong sinabi na walang balak ang China na magtayo ng permanenteng istraktura sa tinukoy ng Pilipinas na Julian Felipe Reef.