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Text of report by Pia Lee-Brago, Christina Mendez, Marvin Sy, and Paolo Romero headlined "DFA To Pursue Diplomatic Consultations" published by Philippine newspaper The Philippine Star's news portal Philstar.com on 11 May
Manila, Philippines - The Philippines is willing to match Beijing's announcement of preparations for an escalation of tensions in Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal [reef] with "diplomatic consultations," unless the message is meant to intimidate, Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario said yesterday.
He was reacting to a declaration by Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Fu Ying that Beijing is prepared for "any escalation" in the West Philippine Sea, particularly in the Panatag Shoal where Chinese and Philippine vessels have been in a standoff since April 10.
Panatag Shoal, originally called Bajo de Masinloc, is only 124 nautical miles from Zambales and is well within the country's 200-mile exclusive economic zone. It has been part of the Philippines in maps dating from 1743.
"If the Vice Minister's message is intended to be constructive, we are clearly looking for ways to defuse the situation, essentially through diplomatic consultations. We are endeavouring to continue these consultations," Del Rosario told The STAR.
"If, however, the intention is to intimidate, then our position is it does not merit a response."
Fu summoned on Monday Alex Chua, charge d'affaires of the Philippine embassy in Beijing, to express her country's concern over the Panatag standoff.
Fu told Chua that "it is hard for us to be optimistic about the situation."
Del Rosario also said it's "not true" that 30 Chinese vessels were now operating in the shoal and that they were driving away Filipino fishermen.
As of Wednesday, Del Rosario said nine Chinese and four Filipino fishing vessels were in the lagoon in the shoal.
The Philippines is appealing for international support - particularly from the United States - for its position in the West Philippine Sea [South China Sea].
It has also called on fellow members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to take a common stand against China's bullying in the region.
Del Rosario said in a statement issued on Wednesday that the US considers the West Philippine Sea a vital sealane and that an...