The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) balked at how the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson chose to “misrepresent” the rotation and reprovisioning (RORE) deal reached between the Philippines and China, stressing instead that Manila has agreed to the deal “in good faith.”
“It is unfortunate that the MFA spokesperson has mischaracterized the Philippines’ RORE mission yesterday morning,” the DFA said in a statement released on Sunday, July 28.
It was referring to the first RORE mission to the grounded BRP Sierra Madre in the contested Ayungin Shoal conducted by the Philippines on Saturday, July 27, since both countries reached a critical deal amid heightened tensions in the area.
“Instead of acknowledging how two countries were able to manage differences in order to avoid miscalculation and misunderstanding, the spokesperson chose to misrepresent what has been agreed between the Philippines and China regarding RORE missions in Ayungin Shoal,” the DFA added.
It stressed that the Philippines’ position on the West Philippine Sea issue remain “clear and consistent,” and that the RORE deal does not prejudice Manila’s claims.
“Let us make it absolutely clear: the understanding between the Philippines and China was concluded in good faith, with the explicit agreement that it will not prejudice national positions,” the DFA said.
“It is not helpful to keep giving false notions about what has been agreed on and how they were implemented,” it criticized.
The DFA emphasized that not only does the Philippines’ position remain unchanged, but its claims are also consistent with its legally-settled maritime entitlements and its lawful right to conduct routine activities within its own exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
“The Philippines will remain committed to the peaceful settlement of disputes, including through dialogue and consultation, and will honor the understanding on RORE missions. We expect China will also adhere to the understanding as negotiated,” the statement added.
In the spokesperson’s remarks posted on the Chinese Foreign Ministry’s website on Saturday, the spokesperson claimed that the Philippines “informed” China of the resupply mission before it was carried out.
“After confirming on-the-scene that the Philippine vessel carried only humanitarian living necessities, the Chinese side let the vessel through,” the spokesperson said.
The remarks also added that the RORE arrangement was reached based on China’s three-point principled position on managing the situation in the West Philippine Sea—that its position has not changed, that Beijing has sovereignty over Ayungin Shoal, the rest of Spratly Islands, and its adjacent waters, and that it will continue to “properly deal” with these issues through “dialogue and consultation.”