PCG questions 'big difference' in China's words, actions in WPS

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) questioned China for its supposed "contradiction" in words and actions when it comes to the West Philippine Sea, amid the ongoing row in the disputed waters. 

“So while China is talking about dialogue, China's actions show confrontation,” PCG spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Commodore Jay Tarriela said in a report on "Unang Balita" Thursday.

“Thus, my question is why is there a big difference between China's words and its actions,” he added.

According to the report, instead of answering the question, China accused a country of confronting China off the Taiwan Strait recently. China did not name the country it was referring to.

“Foreign vessels and fighter jets coming to areas near our territory. They are not here for innocent passage, they are for provocation,” Chinese State Councilor and Minister of National Defense General Li Shangfu said.

Tarriela made the comment in a defense forum in Singapore during the International Institute for Strategic Studies’ Shangri-La Dialogue 2023.

The forum was attended by defense and security officials from different Asian countries.

China has expressed interest in reviving the joint committee meeting of the Chinese Coast Guard and PCG under the Marcos administration.

The PCG preferred to communicate with China through the Philippines’ Department of Foreign Affairs.

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has been reiterating that the Philippines will not give up an inch of its territory including the WPS amid the reported aggression of China in the territory.

Marcos also recently reiterated the Philippines' "neutral foreign policy" saying Manila is not siding with any country. 

In July 2016, the UN Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, based on a case filed by the Philippines, junked China's nine-dash line claim covering the entire South China Sea.

The Philippines refers to portions of the South China Sea as the West Philippine Sea.

China has refused to acknowledge the ruling. —Joviland Rita/ VAL, GMA Integrated News