China, Philippines sound off on joint probe of Recto Bank collision

June 20, 2019

China and the Philippines separately proposed on Thursday a joint investigation on the Recto Bank collision.

"To find a proper solution, we suggest a joint investigation at an early date so the two sides can exchange respective initial findings and properly handle the matter through friendly consultations based on mutually-recognized investigation results," said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang in Beijing.

The statement was released by the Chinese Embassy in Manila. 

In Manila, Justice Secretary Menardo Guevara said during a meeting on Monday the Cabinet agreed to “conduct a proper marine inquiry, preferably a joint inquiry with China to establish the true facts, allocate responsibility for restitution, and adopt measures to prevent or avoid similar incidents in the future.”

“Resort to legal action, although available, is not yet contemplated at this time,” he told reporters.

Kang's statement came a day after China has called “irresponsible” and “counter-constructive” the "political interpretations" and criticisms on the June 9 Recto Bank collision between a Chinese and a Philippine vessel.   The Filipino fishermen claim their boat was rammed and took water while the Chinese ship abandoned them. A Vietnamese boat rescued them and later turned them over to a Philippine Navy vessel.

Shortly after Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana announced the incident, Foreign Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr filed a diplomatic protest against China. 

In its statement on Wednesday, China maintained it was an “accidental collision” and that Filipino and Chinese fishermen “have long been friendly to each other, rendering mutual assistance to the best of their capabilities in times of need." DMS