Panatag as marine sanctuary? China mum

MANILA, Philippines – China has not declared its support for an executive order to be issued by President Duterte declaring the lagoon at of Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal a marine sanctuary that will be off-limits to fishermen from any nation.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang said China and the Philippines have reached an agreement on coming back to the track of dialogue and consultation for the settlement of the South China Sea issue. 

The Chinese side has also made proper arrangements for fishing activities by Filipino fishermen around Panatag Shoal in the interest of bilateral friendship. 

“China’s sovereignty and jurisdiction over Huangyan Dao (Panatag Shoal) has not and will not change,” Geng said.

“We hope that China and the Philippines will enhance dialogue and cooperation so as to turn the South China Sea issue into a positive factor for friendship and cooperation,” he added.

Duterte will issue an EO declaring the lagoon in Panatag Shoal as a marine protected area in a move that would prohibit fishing inside the breeding ground of marine species.

National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr. said the draft EO may be submitted during the next Cabinet security cluster meeting.