South China Sea: Philippines’ says China’s maritime proposals go against national interests

“From the outset, DFA wishes to underscore that the Philippines is approaching these confidential negotiations with utmost sincerity and good faith,” it said. “We were, therefore, surprised by China’s disclosure of sensitive details of our bilateral discussions.”

China presented 11 concept papers which proposed ways to manage the Second Thomas Shoal and fishing issues in Scarborough Shoal, the Manila Times reported, quoting the Chinese official.

The foreign ministry denied the Chinese official’s claims, saying, “in no way did the Philippine Government ignore China’s proposals.”

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Chinese floating barrier blocks entrance to Philippine ships at South China Sea flashpoint

China claims almost the entire South China Sea, which includes the Second Thomas Shoal, and has deployed vessels to patrol the disputed atoll, which lies within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone.