Chinese Embassy: Clarification on media reports about Scarborough ShoalThe Chinese Embassy in the Philippines has issued a statement on the reported continued activities in Scarborough Shoal, as follows:On September 7, 2016, Philippine media reported that some Chinese ships are spotted around Huangyan Dao (Scarborough Shoal), and Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana quoted Chinese Ambassador Zhao Jianhua as saying that “the vessels are transferring sand from one area to another”. The Chinese Embassy would like to clarify that Ambassador Zhao has not yet had the honor to meet with Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, and the media must have misquoted him. The Chinese side has maintained the presence of a number of coast guard vessels for law enforcement patrols in the waters of Huangyan Dao. There are also some Chinese fishing boats around that area. The Chinese side is willing to work with the Philippine side to enhance mutual trust and promote development of bilateral relations.

Source: Manila Bulletin September 07, 2016 10:52 UTC