Navy: Chinese ship in Davao restocking

The Philippine Navy expressed no concern over the docking of the Chinese vessel Yuan Wang 3 in Davao City on Monday.

Navy Spokesman Cmdr. Jonathan Zata said on Tuesday the ship is in the city to replenish its stocks.

Accorting to Zata, the ship arrived 8:14 p.m. on Monday and will stay in the country until July 19.

“They are here for replenishment as granted by the diplomatic clearance issued by higher authorities,” Zata said.

“This is a routine ship visit similar with any other foreign ship wishing to call on our ports,” Zata added.

“It’s completely routine, nothing unusual about the visit,” Zata said.

It is not uncommon for foreign sea vessels, including warships, to dock momentarily in the Philippine ports. The country’s waters are attractive stopover ports for foreign vessels in need of stock being an archipelago.

“We had Chinese warships calling on our ports in the past. We treat them the same as with any other warships from other countries,” Zata said.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana echoed Zata’s remarks.

“Yes. We know about it. The Chinese Ambassador (Zhao Jianhua) wrote to the SFA (Secretary of Foreign Affairs Alan Peter) Cayetano that it would be docking in Davao to refurbish and it was allowed to do so,” the defense chief said.

Malacanang, through Presidential Spokesman Harry Roques, said: “All ships from countries with whom the Philippines maintains friendly ties, may dock at our ports. Chinese survey ships, just like US warships, may dock at our ports.”

“Only those afflicted with sinophobia will find the routine incident objectionable,” he added.