‘Chinese names not in bad faith'

After lodging an objection to the Chinese names given to five seamounts within Philippine territory, Malacañang on Thursday, Feb. 15, defended China, saying there was no bad faith involved in its act and that bilateral relations remain intact.

At the same time, however, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque Jr. said Manila would assert its sovereign rights over the Philippine Rise by replacing the names provided by China.

“Basically, it’s not a political process. It’s a scientific process. If I’m not mistaken, the one who discovered it can give names to it,” Roque said, referring to the naming of Philippine Rise’s seamounts.

“Nevertheless, the President said, ‘I don’t care whatever it is as long as it is awarded to the Philippines. Whatever China says, the Philippines will also give names to (the underwater features),” he added.

He said the Philippines is seeking membership to the International Hydrographic Organization Sub-Committee on Undersea Feature Names (SCUFN) to be able to give Philippine names to the seamounts. The SCUFN selects the names for undersea features in the world’s oceans.

Roque clarified that the ties between the two countries remain intact.

He was confident that China would respect the Philippines’ objection since the Philippine Rise belongs to Manila.

“(The relations between the Philippines and China) will not be affected...we do not see any basis for China to be alarmed with our position that we will insist on naming rights,” Roque said. /