China opposes idea of Philippine structure in Ayungin Shoal

China has opposed the idea of the Philippines building a civilian facility in the Ayungin Shoal.

Chinese foreign affairs ministry spokesperson Mao Ning was asked about the remarks made by Armed Forces of the Philippines spokesperson Col. Medel Aguilar on the Philippines considering building on the shoal.

"Ren’ai Jiao (China's name for Ayungin Shoal) is an uninhabited shoal," Mao said.

"According to the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) signed by China and ASEAN countries, parties should keep Ren’ai Jiao uninhabited and facility-free," she added.

Mao reiterated China's claim that the Ayungin Shoal is part of its territory.

However, the Ayungin Shoal is part of the Philippines exclusive economic zone.

The Philippines is considering building a shelter for fisherfolk—a permanent structure—in theAyungin Shoal.

Aguilar mentioned a civilian structure like a lighthouse or a marine scientific research center.

On December 12, former Supreme Court Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio said the Philippines should build a structure on the Ayungin Shoal following the latest attacks against Filipino vessels in the WPS. —NB, GMA Integrated News