China has defended its coast guards from accusations they had seized catch from Filipino fishermen at Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal, saying they had always acted “in accordance with the law.” But the Chinese foreign ministry said it is “seriously” investigating the report. “The Chinese coast guards have been safeguarding peace, order and tranquility in relevant waters and offered humanitarian aid to Philippine fishermen for many times,” foreign ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang said in a press conference in Beijing on Monday. He said China is allowing Filipinos to fish in the area “out of goodwill.”

Lee-Brago, P., & Mendez, C. (2018, June 13). China defends coast guards’ action in Panatag. The Philippine Star, p. 6.