“The pure and simple truth is rarely pure and never simple.” – OSHO
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Instead of scampering away like a scared dog with its tail between its legs after the water cannon incident, China turns around and blames the Philippines for reneging on its 1999 promise to remove the BRP Sierra Madre from the Ayungin Shoal.
Through Deputy Chief of Mission Zhou Zhiyong, the Chinese Embassy in Manila found fault with the Philippine government, saying the current tension in the WPS remains unresolved because of the broken promise allegedly made by former Pres. Joseph Estrada.
In a recent media appearance, former senator and then Defense Secretary Orly Mercado belied the Chinese allegation, saying he does not remember Pres. Estrada to have made such a commitment to the Chinese during the time.
Deputy CM Zhiyong is a wily diplomat and must be a student of Socrates. Without any qualms at all, he reminds all those who cared to listen that an agreement on the nature of resupply missions to Ayungin has been reached at the end of 2021, after several rounds of discussions.
(The BRP Sierra Madre serves as a station (outpost) for a small detachment of Philippine troops. DND Sec. Mercado disclosed that the boat was intentionally beached because of reliable military intelligence reports of a creeping Chinese invasion.
A few months after, the beaching of BRP Benguet followed a few miles away as a secondary outpost but which was subsequently removed.)
The media appearance of Zhiyong is a calibrated response that is meant to muddle the Philippines’ inherent territorial claims over the Exclusive Economic Zone as clearly defined in the UNCLOS.
The Chinese official took the occasion to say that Beijing has “always exerted” the utmost restraint because it wanted to maintain the harmonious elations with the Philippines in safeguarding regional peace and stability.
He added that for humanitarian reasons, China has even allowed temporary and special arrangements for food and other necessities to be brought to the grounded military vessel.
But China did not like the delivery and supply of construction materials to the warship.
For 24 years, Zhiyong said Beijing has allowed the continued and unhampered re-supplying to BRP Sierrra Madre.
As if lecturing the Pinoys on good manners and right conduct, the Embassy official stated the unfortunate violations commmitted by the Ph government.
Zhiyong said the Philippines has refused to acknowledge and implement the existing accord by taking unilateral actions.
He said that they regret the water cannon bombardment but it could not be helped because the Philippines defied the warnings and insisted on transporting construction materials to the grounded vessel.
China did not like the BRP Sierra Madre to remain there forever and permanently occupy Ayungin Shoal (Ren’ai Reef to the Chinese).
Zhiyong said China remains steadfast in pursuing a bilateral discussion with no foreign interference.
While a survey says most Pinoys want to stand firm and fight the Chinese aggression, cooler heads think a confrontation is counter-productive.
And unfavorable too.
Besides, why can’t the Philippine government explore these bilateral talks and prove for themselves whether the Chinese are speaking the truth or lying continuously?
After all, we are seeking new markets for our products and China appears to be a ready market for Philippine-made products.
Nonetheless, PBBM has already loudly announced that it ever there was a previous promise to remove BRP Sierra Madre from its berth, as Chief Executive he is quickly rescinding it.
The very quick strong and firm presidential response tells us PBBM is not sleeping on his job.
DCM Zhiyong, by the way, has been quick to remind the Ph government that there is a draft Chinese proposal for the management of the situation in Ayungin to ensure peace and tranquility of the relevants waters.
The Philippine government has not acted upon it.
Messr. Zhiyong said the Chine government is still waiting for the formal response. (Email feedback to fredlumba@yahoo.com). GOD BLESS THE PHILIPPINES!
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