China allays fears of shutting off PHL power grid

China has played down reports that it could shut down the Philippines' power grid in the event of conflict, calling it "completely groundless."

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said the reports have no basis and that the State Grid Corporation of China only took part in a National Transmission Commission (Transco) project as a "cooperation partner."

"The project is now operated, managed and maintained by the Philippine side, with the Chinese partner offering necessary technical support upon request," Geng told a press briefing in Beijing on Wednesday.

"The allegation of China's control over the Philippines' power grid or threat to the country's national security is completely groundless."

Reports said China's State Grid Corporation has a 40% stake in the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP), a private consortium that operates, maintains, and expands the country's power grid.

System operations are controlled and managed by Chinese engineers, an arrangement opposed by several Philippine lawmakers, calling it a serious national concern.

The two Asian neighbors have been at odds for years over contested territories in the South China Sea, with the Philippines winning an internationally-backed arbitration case against China before the The Hague-based Permanent Court of Arbitration in July 2016.

In its verdict, the tribunal denigrated China's massive claim over the resource-rich waters. Beijing refused to recognize the ruling and increased military and civilian presence and control in several disputed features.

Geng urged "certain individuals" in the Philippines to look at cooperation with China "in an open, objective and impartial manner."

"There is no need to worry about the sky falling or imagine trouble where there is none," he said, noting that the Philippines is China's "close and friendly neighbor as well as an important partner."

Geng also said his government will continue to support Chinese businesses' "pursuit of practical, win-win cooperation in the Philippines in accordance with laws and regulations." — RSJ, GMA News