Philippines Rejects Chinese Maritime Proposals as Against National Interests

The Philippine foreign ministry has firmly rejected several maritime-related proposals from China, asserting that they go against the national interests of the Southeast Asian country.

Unacceptable Proposals from China

The foreign ministry highlighted that one of the proposals from China insisted on actions that would imply acknowledgment of China's control and administration over the Second Thomas Shoal. The Philippines emphasized that it cannot consider such a proposal without violating its constitution or international law.

Response to Claims

Responding to a Manila Times news article quoting an unnamed "ranking Chinese official", the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) emphasized that the Philippines is approaching confidential negotiations with utmost sincerity and good faith. The ministry expressed surprise at China's disclosure of sensitive details of the bilateral discussions.

China's Concept Papers

According to the Manila Times, China presented 11 concept papers proposing ways to manage the Second Thomas Shoal and fishing issues in Scarborough Shoal. However, the Philippine foreign ministry refuted the Chinese official's claims, stating that the Philippine Government did not ignore China's proposals in any way.