Chinese exec lists how China can win in Ayungin row

MANILA, Philippines — An outspoken Chinese military general insisted that China should be stern in its dispute with the Philippines over the Ayungin Reef in the hotly-contested Spratlys.

Luo Yuan, vice president of a Beijing-based think tank of retired military officers, made “recommendations” on how China can protect the reef, also known as the Second Thomas Shoal.

According to a report by Taiwan-based English news site Want China Times, Luo said Thursday that Beijing must make public Manila’s diplomatic memorandum in 1999 when the BRP Sierra Madre ran aground the shoal.

Luo, the People Liberation Army’s most quotable policy hawk, said that the Philippines gave China the “upper hand under the law and public opinion” in asking permission to allow the vessel to stay in the waters.

The Department of Foreign Affairs in Manila had said that the government does not have technical resources to tow the vessel.

Luo added that Beijing can declare as expired the dilapidated ship’s term in the shoal while offering to help remove the beached vessel for a fee.

He said China should also charge the Philippines for the Philippine Navy ship’s refuge in the area for the past 15 years.

 

Read more: http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2014/04/03/1308370/chinese-exec-lists-how-china-can-win-ayungin-row