Malacañang on Saturday dismissed China’s call on the Philippines to stop trying to influence public opinion over the two-month-old standoff at Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal.

Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said the Philippine government had always tried to de-escalate the tension in the contested area.

“If you noticed, the statement(s) from the officials of the Philippine government have always been consistent with present policy of de-escalation. 'Yan ang masasabi natin tungkol doon," she said on government-run dzRB radio.

On Thursday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei urged the Philippines to stop making remarks that will influence public opinion about the standoff.

A report posted on the Chinese government’s web portal Thursday night said Hong was referring to President Benigno Aquino III’s recent remarks on Panatag Shoal, which China calls Huangyan Island.

Hong quoted Aquino as saying Philippine Air Force planes will soon fly over the area to check the situation there.

The row started in early April when Philippine forces spotted Chinese fishermen gathering marine species from the area.

Before the Philippine forces could make arrests, however, they were blocked by Chinese vessels. China claims the area as part of its territory.

Hong claimed the Philippine warships’ harassment of Chinese fishermen caused the tension, adding the Philippines’ high-profile stance on the issue continued to heighten tensions after the incident.

But the tension has eased recently, and the two sides are making efforts to repair bilateral relations, Hong said. — LBG, GMA News