China assures that WPS status has not changedCHINA assured on Wednesday that the situation in the disputed Scarborough (Bajo de Masinloc/Panatag ) Shoal in the West Philippine Sea/South China Sea has not changed and that there are no dredging or building activities being undertaken by the Chinese government in the said area. According to the Chinese embassy, China has maintained the presence of a number of coast guard vessels for law enforcement patrols in the waters of Scarborough Shoal and that there are also some Chinese fishing boats around that area. In 2012, Chinese surveillance ships prevented a Philippine Navy vessel from arresting Chinese poachers who had harvested endangered species in the area. China has since maintained its presence in the shoal, effectively barring Filipino fishermen from entering what used to be their traditional fishing route. Secretary Lorenzana said the Department of Foreign Affairs is planning to ask China to explain the presence of the ten ships in the shoal.

Source: Manila Bulletin September 07, 2016 12:45 UTC