China Considers Allowing Pinoy Fishermen At Scarborough Shoal

It seems like China is open to let Filipinos fish at the Scarborough Shoal.

China is open to the possibility of letting Filipino fishermen tow the line of the Scarborough Shoal also known as the Panatag Shoal.

Scarborough Shoal is also known as Huangyan Island, Democracy Reef, Bajo de Masinloc and Panatag Shoal.

It is a shoal located between the Macclesfield Bank and Luzon island.

The map on Scarborough Shoal.
The map on Scarborough Shoal.

In an ambush interview at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City on August 29, Chinese Ambassador Zhao Jianhua said that the issue can be discussed.

Also, Amb. Zhao advised his countrymen in the Philippines to abide by the laws of the country and contribute to its development.

Beforehand, President Rodrigo Duterte asked China not to treat Filipinos as ‘enemies’ but instead, to treat them as ‘brothers’ or siblings.

Duterte made the pleading during the commemoration of the National Heroes’ Day at the Libingan ng mga Bayani (Heroes’ Cemetery) where the diplomatic corps attended, including Chinese Ambassador Zhai Jianhua.

Zhao Duterte
The Chinese ambassador with then presumptive Pres. Duterte.

Duterte said as he was looking to where Amb. Zhao was that he knows the happenings and dynamics going on within China and he hopes that Filipinos will have a place in the hearts of the Chinese.

The president assured that he will not reiterate the arbitral rule for now because China might back out of the negotiation.

Duterte once again said that he does not want war and he is amenable to China’s ‘superiority’ over the Philippines but if both countries will treat each other as brothers or siblings, he is sure that it would better the relationship between the Filipinos and the Chinese.

In line with this, Duterte asked Amb. Zhao to let the poor Filipino fishermen to find their livelihood at the Scarborough Shoal.

“I hope you (Chinese) treat us as your brothers and sisters and not your enemies. After all, there is a Chinese blood in me”, said Duterte as he looked to the direction on Amb. Zhao Jinhua.

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