MANILA, Philippines- Matapo bombahin ng China Coast Guard vessel ng water cannon ang Philippine boats, sinabi ng opisyal ng Chinese government na ang West Philippine Sea issues “must be properly resolved through dialogue and consultation.”
“It won’t do anyone good to adopt a confrontational attitude, or to leave our relations to instigation and disruption,” giit ni Chinese Embassy deputy chief of mission Zhou Zhiyong sa isang forum nitong Lunes.
Inihayag din niya ang paninindigan ng China na nag United States government umano ang “mastermind” sa likod ng mga isyu sa pinag-aagawang teritoryo, kabilang ang “arousing contradiction and even confrontation between China and the Philippines.”
“We hope that the Philippine sides will remain vigilant against the masterminds behind all this and keep hands on the wheels for peace and tranquility in the South China Sea,” aniya.
Nauna nang tinawag ni US State Department Counselor Derek Chollet eang alegasyon bilang “preposterous” at isang “insult” sa Pilipinas.
Inulit pa ng Chinese officer na nangako umano ang Manila sa Beijing na aalisin nito ang BRP Sierra Madre mula sa Ayungin Shoal sa West Philippine Sea, na matatandaang pinabulaanan ng Filipino officials.
Nanindigan si Panggulong Ferdinand Marcos Jr. na mananatili ang BRP Sierra Madre sa Ayungin Shoal. RNT/SA
