Palace: Release of photos of Chinese vessels near Panatag means PHL aware of movements in area

Presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella on Wednesday explained that the release of photos of alleged Chinese vessels near Panatag Shoal ahead of the ASEAN-China Summit simply means that the Philippine government knows the activities around the area.

At a press conference, Abella said the Philippine government is concerned enough to release the photos.

“It’s simply to let, to announce that we are aware of any and all movements in the area… That’s it,” he said.

Abella said that backchannel talks about the presence of Chinese vessels around Panatag are already ongoing between special envoy to China former President Fidel Ramos and his contacts in China.

“There are talks but at this stage we allow, we just keep it there,” he said.

Last week, President Rodrigo Duterte said he received intelligence reports that there may be construction activities in Panatag Shoal (also called Scarborough Shoal). Abella said the photos did not have any signs of construction activities.

Duterte added that he intends to ask China to confirm the reports.

China has since denied any construction activities in the area.

The presence of Chinese vessels was not discussed during the ASEAN-China Summit with Premier Li Keqiang. But different heads of state brought up the South China Sea issue during the summit. Duterte, on the other hand, pressed the importance of rule of law in the meeting.

A bilateral meeting between Duterte and Li may happen in the future.

“It should happen soon. It should happen eventually,” Abella hinted. — Trisha Macas/RSJ, GMA News