DEFENSE Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said Sunday, November 21, that the Chinese ambassador in the Philippines assured him that Chinese vessels will no longer interfere in the resupply mission of troops in the Ayungin Shoal.
Lorenzana said military troops will resume the transport of food and repair kits to the BRP Sierra Madre stationed in Ayungin Shoal next week.
“The Chinese will not interfere per my conversation with the Chinese Ambassador (Huang Xilian),” he said.
“We have been talking every day since the evening of the 16th while the incident was happening until yesterday (November 20). We will see if they are true to their words as our navy will proceed with the resupply this week,” he added.
On November 16, three Chinese vessels blocked and water cannoned a Philippine vessel, which was then on its way to deliver supplies to the troops in Ayungin Shoal.
The Philippine vessel was damaged, resulting in the troops aborting the mission.
The National Government expressed outrage, condemnation and protest of the “illegal” acts of the Chinese Coast Guard, noting that the area is part of the country’s territorial waters. (SunStar Philippines)