China refuses to provide compensation for encounter with Philippine vessels

By Yasin Gungor

ISTANBUL (AA) – China will not bow to demands by the Philippines that it pay 60 million pesos ($1.02 million) for damages incurred during an encounter last month between the Chinese coast guard and Philippine navy in the South China Sea, an official said Thursday.

The Philippine side should face the consequences of its “illegal” actions, said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning.

"The Philippine vessels were carrying out an illegal resupply mission, violating China’s territorial waters and staging a provocation," Mao said at a press conference.

She said Chinese coast guard personnel acted lawfully to defend China’s sovereignty.

The Philippines is also demanding the return of seven guns allegedly seized by China following the June 17 confrontation.

Mao urged the Philippines to halt its provocations and resolve differences through dialogue.

Responding to claims by Philippine Senator Imee Marcos about plans by China to target sites across the Philippines with hypersonic missile strikes, Mao said Beijing is committed to peaceful development and defensive policies but will defend its legitimate rights and regional stability if threatened.

While previously claiming that they refrained from using weapons in last month's clash to avoid escalating hostilities, Armed Forces of the Philippines chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. announced Thursday that Philippine troops will retaliate with equal force if attacked again by China's coast guard.

Tensions between the two countries recently escalated following the June 17 confrontation in which Chinese coast guard personnel clashed with and damaged Philippine naval boats.