Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte (Photo : Getty Images)
The Chinese coastguard is easing their interception of Filipino fishermen who frequent the Scarborough Shoal as a friendly gesture to the Philippines’ president-elect Rodrigo Duterte, proof that China wants to be friends with his government.
According to the South China Morning Post, China is scaling back its interception on Filipino fishermen who intend to fish along the disputed waters near the disputed Scarborough Shoal to prove its intent on being on friendly terms with the Philippines.
In the past, members of the Chinese coastguard have repeatedly "harassed" Filipinos who venture into the disputed waters along the South China Sea, an act that apparently did not make the government and residents of the archipelago happy.
Interception of Filipino Fisherfolk
It may be unknown to many but Filipino fishermen have repeatedly been harassed by the Chinese Navy and coastguard just by passing by along the disputed waters, Rappler reported in April.
In fact, on April 20, Malacanang confirmed that the fishermen were driven away by the Chinese using their water cannons as they approached the territories both China and the Philippines claim sovereignty over.
"The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has verified and confirmed the reported incident involving fishermen in Bajo de Masinloc," said Herminio Coloma Jr, the Communications Secretary for outgoing President Benigno Aquino III. "However, the actual number of fishermen has not been verified. The PCG has sent its reports to the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Department of National Defense."
Rappler noted that while this is the latest case, it is not the first time vessels from China tried to intimidate fishermen along the same area.
Citing the Philippines' Department of Foreign Affairs, the outlet noted that 10 similar cases occurred in 2013 alone.
China's Change of Heart
But because president-elect Duterte sang a different tune on bilateral talks with China, Beijing appears to be warming up to Manila.
One of the proofs of this is Chinese President Xi Jinping's statement early in June where he expressed his hopes for better ties with the new Filipino leader.
"The friendly, stable and healthy development of Sino-Philippine relations accords with the basic interest of both countries and both peoples. (I) hope both sides can work hard to push Sino-Philippine relations back onto a healthy development track," Xi said in a statement cited by The Standard on June 1.
"The Duterte administration is bent on dealing with China through peaceful dialogue," he added. "There's no other way but to go bilateral. We have been pursuing this. I don't see why we should stop."
