THE Philippines filed a diplomatic protest Thursday with China over the intrusion of two Chinese patrol boats Wednesday into Reed Bank in Western Palawan where a seismic survey is being conducted by the Department of Energy.
A text message from Communications Secretary Ricky Carandang said, “I confirm the incident on March 2, 2011 (that) two Chinese patrol boats encountered a Phil-sanctioned vessel conducting seismic surveys in the Western Palawan. The Chinese boats warned the vessel away and the vessel moved away from its position.”
We have sought an explanation from the Chinese Embassy regarding the matter. The vessel is expected to resume its normal activities in a few days,” he said.
The Chinese Embassy, through its spokesperson Ethan Y. Sun, issued the following statement Friday:
“I noted the related report. What I want to point out is that, ever since ancient times, China has indisputable sovereignty over Nansha Islands and their adjacent waters. China has been consistently sticking to the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, and committed to maintaining peace and stability in the South China Sea. The Chinese side maintains that the related disputes should be resolved through peaceful negotiations. Thank you and have a nice day.”
An earlier report said Armed Forces Western Command Chief Maj. Gen. Juancho Sabban sent fighter planes to Reed Bank in the South China Sea Philippine Area of the South China Sea to check on the Chinese ship that reportedly warned a Philippine ship there securing oil exploration.
“We will not allow ourselves to be bullied. This is our territory. We will do our job to protect the integrity of our territory,” Sabban said.
The Philippines and China are two of the claimants of islands in the South China Sea. China claims the whole South China Sea while the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan claim parts of the vast area.
Reed Bank, 240 kilometers west of Palawan, has been found to be have oil deposits equivalent to 440 million barrels.
“I’m wondering why China would intrude into Reed Bank when it is not a disputed area,” an official said.
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