China has rejected a proposal for a third party investigator for the Recto (Reed) Bank incident and has insisted that the probe be conducted only by Philippine and Chinese authorities, Malacañang said yesterday. Presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo said Chinese officials had told Philippine Ambassador to Beijing Chito Sta. Romana that there is no need for a third party since the two countries can settle the issue between themselves: “Ang sabi naman nila, huwag na iyong third party. Kailangan tayo lang ang mag-usap doon.” Panelo said the Chinese made sense in arguing that if the two countries could come to an agreement, there was no need for a third party: “Para sa kanila, hindi na kailangan iyon kasi kung magkakasundo na kayo, bakit pa kayo magti-third party? Oo nga naman.”

Romero, A., Flores, H., & Romero, P. (2019, July 2). China rejects 3rd party in boat sinking probe. The Philippine Star, pp. 1, 4.