March 14 ------ China said it remains committed to a dialogue with the Philippines to resolve disputes in the South China Sea after the two sides seemed to have a disagreement over each other’s proposal to handle the sea row. "We stand ready to continue to work with the Philippines to properly handle differences through dialogue and consultation," Wang Wenbin, China’s Foreign Ministry spokesman, said.
His remark came after the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) belied a report on a Philippine broadsheet that the Philippines ignored China's proposals on the South China Sea row. DFA said it acknowledged China's concept papers and made counterproposals, but China countered them again. The back-and-back negotiations ended without a definite result. At the same briefing, Wang maintained China's claim over the whole South China Sea, including the West Philippine Sea. He also alleged that the Philippines continues to make "frequent infringements and provocations at sea," which for the latter is only the exercise of its rights under international law."
Such moves seriously undermine the atmosphere of communication and cooperation between China and the Philippines. China’s position on the South China Sea issue is consistent," Wang said. "We will take resolute measures to firmly safeguard our territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests," Wang added.
Source: mb.com.ph
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