China, which has been accused by Manila of making "inaccurate" remarks over the new resupply mission arrangement between the two sides, urged the Philippines "not to backpedal" from its words regarding the new deal reached.
China also told the Philippines "not to create problems" as well as "not to do anything that would complicate the situation" as it continues to claim that it is Manila that is threatening peace and stability in the region by firmly asserting its sovereignty over the West Philippine Sea.
"We take note that the Philippine side said it’s ready to implement the arrangement it reached with China. We hope the Philippines will keep its word," Mao Ning, spokesperson for China's Foreign Ministry, said Tuesday, July 23, in Beijing.
On Monday, July 22, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) hit China's "inaccurate" remark when it made comments on the latest agreement that was reached between Manila and Beijing regarding rotation and resupply missions to grounded BRP Sierra Madre in the Ayungin Shoal.
DFA considered China's remark as "prejudicial" after China claimed that the Philippines was first informed of various "points" and "positions," which were apparently in favor of the former, by Beijing before Manila agreed to the deal.
Among the points and positions were the following: The Ayungin Shoal was part of China and the Philippines was violating China's sovereignty over it, the Philippines would only be able to carry out resupply missions on advanced notification to China and after onsite verification, and the Philippines would not be allowed to send construction materials to repair the grounded ship.
"The principles and approaches laid out in the agreement were reached through a series of careful and meticulous consultations between both sides that paved the way for a convergence of ideas without compromising national positions," the DFA said after noting Beijing's remark.
"The spokesperson’s statement therefore regarding prior notification and onsite confirmation is inaccurate," it added.
But Mao, in her latest press conference, maintained that China reached provisional arrangement with the Philippines "based on the principled position of China on dealing with the current situation at Ren’ai Jiao (Ayungin Shoal)."
"This is an active effort China made to keep the situation under control. The Chinese side will continue to firmly defend China’s sovereignty and rights and interests," she added.