Regarding the South China Sea, which is at odds with China, a senior official of the former Duterte administration in the Philippines gave an interview to NHK, revealing that there was an agreement to maintain the status quo in order to avoid conflict between the two countries. Local media have reported that the reason why China has recently stepped up its sabotage of Philippine ships is that this agreement has been undermined by the current Marcos administration.
Since last year, there have been a number of incidents in the area around Second Thomas Reef in the South China Sea, where Philippine government vessels have been hit by water cannons or collided with Chinese Coast Guard vessels.
In this regard, Harry Roque, who served as presidential spokesperson in the former Duterte administration, gave an interview to NHK on the 5th.
In this, Mr. Roque said, ``Approving a gentlemen's agreement in which both countries respected the status quo was the cornerstone of the previous administration's South China Sea policy.It was to avoid confrontation and carry out necessary policies such as trade and investment.'' It was revealed that there was an agreement between the Philippines and China to maintain the status quo in the South China Sea.
Specifically, China is said to have allowed the Philippines to supply food and other supplies at Second Thomas Reef in exchange for the Philippines not building or repairing structures at military bases.
Furthermore, it is revealed that this agreement existed even before the Duterte administration.
Roque then said, ``I think the current administration is provoking China, leading to a more violent response,'' and expressed concern that the Marcos administration is not honoring this agreement and is taking a harsh stance toward China. was shown.
Local media have reported that the recent acts of sabotage by the Chinese side are due to their opposition to the Marcos administration, which believes that the agreement has been undermined.