DND chief admits presence of Chinese ships off Ayungin Shoal

From the Philippine News Agency (May 21): DND chief admits presence of Chinese ships off Ayungin Shoal

Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Voltaire Gazmin on Tuesday admitted that Chinese fishing ships, along with a naval vessel, are fishing off Ayungin Shoal which is part of the Spratlys Island Group being claimed by the Philippines.

"They are fishing in our territory," he said in Filipino.

Gazmin added that all the ships were positively seen flying the Chinese flag.

The DND chief added that the Philippines will deal with the issue "calmly," by filing a diplomatic process through the Department of Foreign Affairs.

"We will do this in a calm manner so that it will not be interpreted that we are looking for a fight," he stated.

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