South China Sea: Philippines says Chinese vessels have left Scarborough Shoal following Duterte visi

[beijingwalker]

South China Sea: Philippines says Chinese vessels have left Scarborough Shoal following Duterte visit
Posted about 2 hours ago



"Since three days ago there are no longer Chinese ships, coastguard or navy, in the Scarborough area," Mr Lorenzana told reporters.

"If the Chinese ships have left then it means our fishermen can resume fishing in the area."

Though the Scarborough Shoal is comprised of only a few rocks poking above the sea some 124 nautical miles off the Philippine mainland, it is symbolic of the country's efforts to assert its maritime sovereignty claims.

Mr Lorenzana did not explain the circumstances of the Chinese vessels leaving the shoal, which was the centrepiece of a case Manila filed in 2013 at the Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Hague.

Asked on Friday about the return of Philippine fishermen to the shoal, China's Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang made no mention of a coastguard withdrawal.

"[China and the Philippines] were able to work together on issues regarding the South China Sea and appropriately resolve disputes," Mr Lu told a regular briefing.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-10-...a-vessels-have-left-scarborough-shoal/7976964

 

[S10]

Bad move on the part of China, reversing any progress it had made since 2012. It was Philippines that started the incident by harassing Chinese fishermen in the area. Xi's government is making these outrageous concessions when all Duterte said was a few nice words.

 

[hoangsa74]

If it's true the phil will love china looong time

 

[JazbaatiHindustaani]

Pressure mounting on China and they are feeling the heat. It is good to see they are not being confrontational and bully about it, because they are in no position to dictate terms to countries no matter how some like to portray them as a super power.

 

[Reashot Xigwin]

Smart move by china

 

[anon45]

Bad move on the part of China, reversing any progress it had made since 2012. It was Philippines that started the incident by harassing Chinese fishermen in the area. Xi's government is making these outrageous concessions when all Duterte said was a few nice words.

Depending on how they play this it is the correct move, you are too blunt about these things and no purpose is served by keeping them there when Duterte is essentially prostrating himself and his country to China's mercy.

Their dominance over the Philippines is already established, why rub salt in the wounds when other countries are watching to see what they do and whether to back the US or China?

that said, they can return any time they want unless the Philippines somehow advances their navy by 50 years in 6.

Regardless, the 'games' going on between the US and China will define the first half of this century, and maybe the 2nd.

 

[Cossack25A1]

Depending on how they play this it is the correct move, you are too blunt about these things and no purpose is served by keeping them there when Duterte is essentially prostrating himself and his country to China's mercy.

Their dominance over the Philippines is already established, why rub salt in the wounds when other countries are watching to see what they do and whether to back the US or China?

that said, they can return any time they want unless the Philippines somehow advances their navy by 50 years in 6.

Regardless, the 'games' going on between the US and China will define the first half of this century, and maybe the 2nd.

By 2022, the Chinese coastguard will return, waiting for Duterte's term to end since they know that after Duterte finishes the term, foreign policy may change once a new president sits.

 

[CAPRICORN-88]

Pressure mounting on China and they are feeling the heat. It is good to see they are not being confrontational and bully about it, because they are in no position to dictate terms to countries no matter how some like to portray them as a super power.

And who has the ability today to pressure China?

INDIA!!! A nation that could not even recovered Kargil without the hidden assistance from USA.

Loads of NONSENSE!

Bad move on the part of China, reversing any progress it had made since 2012. It was Philippines that started the incident by harassing Chinese fishermen in the area. Xi's government is making these outrageous concessions when all Duterte said was a few nice words.

Duterte make some bad move or statement in Japan and that may reverse the process. It is OK when he declare China's trip is all about economics although he conveniently forgotten he says Philippines will joined China and Russia in countering USA (A statement he made voluntarily that surprised even his host and it is political) but to says he supported Japan in a South China Sea dispute is definitely a mistake and an offended China may rescind on its offer made in goodwill to Philippines fishermen based on that.

I think Duterte in his enthusiasm to lure the Japanese investment forgotten then tie between them (Philippines and Japan has never changed unlike China which is basically hostile) hence whatever he says will not upped the trade or investment much.

But the potential with China is immense with a 3 billion USD offer as a gesture. Now he may have to retrospect on his silly statement and find the words to atone the China. He may have just undo some of the good diplomat move he made recently in China.

China has never asked him to alienate, terminate Philippines relationship with USA nor encourage him to do so with all those unwarranted expletives against USA and Obama. But marked my words, China now listen to and watch his every move. He just made one BAD move and he is being put on probation by China before they made the next move of good gesture. What a waste of opportunity?

Meanwhile Malaysia in trepidation over a possible huge potential flow of investment to Philippines at their expense by China has send in their best team to China with possible better counter offer.
Malacca in Malaysia is strategically located and is in fact part of the China Maritime Silk Seaway hence is in a better position.

 

[Viva_Viet]

Good,PH soon will send men to retake the shoal wt US support. Bad ending for CN

 

[S10]

Good,PH soon will send men to retake the shoal wt US support. Bad ending for CN

There was a monkey that thought he had the power to make the sun go down. The fact that the sun rises and sets everyday further reinforced its own opinion, despite it having no such impact at all.

 

[Daniel808]

By 2022, the Chinese coastguard will return, waiting for Duterte's term to end since they know that after Duterte finishes the term, foreign policy may change once a new president sits.

And in 2022,
China's Navy would be much Stronger than today


With Second, and Third (Nuclear) Aircraft Carriers-CVBG, Type 055 Cruisers, many more Type 052D, Type 052E Destroyers, and Type 054A, Type 054B Heavy Frigates.


2022 version would be much more Exciting than 2012 version. Lol

Welcome 2022 episode !

 

[beijingwalker]

Good,PH soon will send men to retake the shoal wt US support. Bad ending for CN

Then you can learn from them if you think that's a good move.

 

[Cossack25A1]

And in 2022,
China's Navy would be much Stronger than today


With Second, and Third (Nuclear) Aircraft Carriers-CVBG, Type 055 Cruisers, many more Type 052D, Type 052E Destroyers, and Type 054A, Type 054B Heavy Frigates.


2022 version would be much more Exciting than 2012 version. Lol

Welcome 2022 episode !

And I am not talking to you.

Smart move by china

They will court Duterte for the next six year.

 

[TaiShang]

If true, the vessels can be dispatched when/if needed. There is little point to give anti-China forces excuse to further militarize regional politics.

PH side has already accepted China's sovereignty over Huangyan Island by asking for permission to engage in fishing activities in the near waters.

China has always been warm to the idea of joint development and exploitation. Besides, I believe China Coast Guard will make regular visits to the area even though it, probably, won't be chasing after PH boats.

Duterte kept his words by not allowing Japan to antagonize PH-China relations under US bidding. Thus, this move, if true, will definitely strengthen Duterte's hand in its powerful pivot.

 

[terranMarine]

And in 2022,
China's Navy would be much Stronger than today


With Second, and Third (Nuclear) Aircraft Carriers-CVBG, Type 055 Cruisers, many more Type 052D, Type 052E Destroyers, and Type 054A, Type 054B Heavy Frigates.


2022 version would be much more Exciting than 2012 version. Lol

Welcome 2022 episode !

By 2022 China will pay a visit with some of our most powerful warships not just sending some coast guard. PH will continue to kowtow to us when they see these beautiful ships passing through.