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DPA
Manila
The Philippines on Wednesday called on claimants to the disputed South China Sea to avoid any provacative actions that would raise tensions in the area as the region and the world struggles to cope with the coronavirus pandemic.
In a statement expressing concern for the sinking of a Vietnamese fishing boat in the disputed seas on April 3, the Philippines’ Department of Foreign Affairs said such actions undermine trust and friendship among countries, which are very crucial at this time.
“There is never a good time to indulge in provocations; they usually end in defeat of aggression or a devastating price of victory,” the statement said.
“Covid-19 is a very real threat that demands unity and mutual trust,” it added.
“In the face of it, neither fish nor fictional historical claims are worth the fuse that’s lit by such incidents.”
A Chinese marine surveillance ship reportedly chased, hit and sank the Vietnamese fishing boat when it ventured near the Paracel Islands, known as Xisha in Chinese.
The Chinese ship then detained the crew on the nearby Woody, or Yongxing, Island.
Manila
The Philippines on Wednesday called on claimants to the disputed South China Sea to avoid any provacative actions that would raise tensions in the area as the region and the world struggles to cope with the coronavirus pandemic.
In a statement expressing concern for the sinking of a Vietnamese fishing boat in the disputed seas on April 3, the Philippines’ Department of Foreign Affairs said such actions undermine trust and friendship among countries, which are very crucial at this time.
“There is never a good time to indulge in provocations; they usually end in defeat of aggression or a devastating price of victory,” the statement said.
“Covid-19 is a very real threat that demands unity and mutual trust,” it added.
“In the face of it, neither fish nor fictional historical claims are worth the fuse that’s lit by such incidents.”
A Chinese marine surveillance ship reportedly chased, hit and sank the Vietnamese fishing boat when it ventured near the Paracel Islands, known as Xisha in Chinese.
The Chinese ship then detained the crew on the nearby Woody, or Yongxing, Island.
