China expresses concern after Philippines' Duterte call to occupy inhabited islands

Record ID: 559778

  • Title: China expresses concern after Philippines' Duterte call to occupy inhabited islands
  • Date: 7th April 2017
  • Summary: BEIJING, CHINA (APRIL 7, 2017) (REUTERS) CHINESE FOREIGN MINISTRY SPOKESWOMAN HUA CHUNYING WALKING IN FOR REGULAR BRIEFING MEDIA SEATED (SOUNDBITE) (Mandarin) CHINESE FOREIGN MINISTRY SPOKESWOMAN HUA CHUNYING SAYING: "Regarding the situation you refer to, the Chinese side has noted the relevant reports. We are concerned about this. We hope that the Philippines side can continue to properly manage maritime disputes with the Chinese side, and jointly protect the healthy, stable growth of Chinese-Philippines relations." BRIEFING IN PROGRESS EXTERIOR OF CHINESE FOREIGN MINISTRY CHINESE NATIONAL FLAG FLYING
  • Embargoed: 21st April 2017 11:06
  • Keywords: China Philippines South China Sea Duterte foreign ministry military maritime disputes
  • Location: BEIJING, CHINA
  • City: BEIJING, CHINA
  • Country: China
  • Topics: Conflicts/War/Peace
  • Reuters ID: LVA0016BEH6BP
  • Aspect Ratio: 16:9
  • Story Text: China's Foreign Ministry on Friday (April 7) expressed concern after a statement from Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte's office said he had ordered troops to occupy uninhabited islands and shoals that the Philippines claims in the disputed waterway.
    The statement, released on Thursday (April 6), assets Philippine sovereignty in an apparent change of tack likely to anger China.
    But on Friday, Philippine defence and military officials said it will upgrade existing facilities on its inhabited islands and reefs in the South China Sea and not occupy new territories, adhering to a 2002 informal code in the disputed waters.
    China claims almost the entire South China Sea, where about $5 trillion worth of seaborne goods pass every year. Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam and Taiwan also have claims.
  • Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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