The Department of National Defense (DND) on Monday rejected China’s proposal to establish a common fishing area at Scarborough Shoal, calling it unnecessary and a public relations move.
Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr. questioned the motive behind Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian’s proposal, saying traditional fishing rights in the area had already been recognized under the 2016 arbitral ruling.
“We were not born yesterday. That is a right under the arbitral award,” Teodoro said, referring to the July 12, 2016 decision of the Permanent Court of Arbitration.
The ruling invalidated China’s expansive claims in the South China Sea and affirmed the Philippines’ rights within its 200-nautical-mile exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
It also recognized that Scarborough Shoal is subject to traditional or artisanal fishing rights for fishermen from several countries, including the Philippines and China.
“So why did he submit the proposal, it’s already there in the arbitral award,” he said, referring to Huang.
The Chinese envoy earlier said he had proposed to the Department of Foreign Affairs reviving what he described as a “successful model” from 10 years ago, in which fishermen from both countries were able to fish together at Scarborough Shoal.
Huang asked why a similar arrangement could not be done again.
The DND chief pushed back, saying China was presenting as a new proposal something already covered by the arbitral ruling.
“What does he want to happen now? We’re going to accept their proposal because it’s their proposal to have a fishing ground?” Teodoro said.
“It’s already stated there, a common fishing ground within our EEZ. So who are they trying to fool?” he added.
Teodoro described the proposal as a public relations effort, citing growing criticism of Chinese actions and harassment in the West Philippine Sea.
“Why only now and why in public? That’s a PR job,” he said.
As the Philippines marks the 10th anniversary of the arbitral award, Teodoro urged Filipinos to remain united in defending the country’s interests in the West Philippine Sea.
“We should be 100 percent united and not waver,” he said.