Stressing that Philippines is sincere and strongly motivated at securing a peaceful resolution of the West Philippine Sea issue, a National Security Council official said China’s invitation for a dialogue may not bear fruit unless the latter shows good faith by stopping its bullying stance over WPS.

NSC spokesperson Jonathan Malaya said it is China’s harassment and bullying of Philippine vessels that has seriously threatened peace and security in the contested area.

The Philippines, on the other hand, has observed restraint and continues to exhaust diplomatic patterns notwithstanding the continuous harassment its citizens, including ordinary fisherfolk, they experience from Chinese Coast Guard and militia in the past several months.

“We welcome China’s offer of dialogue, negotiation and consultation but for it to prosper, China must immediately stop its bullying, aggressive actions and illegal moves in the West Philippines sea that has seriously undermined regional peace and security,” said Malaya.

“Dialogues can only succeed in an atmosphere of mutual respect and sincerity between two sovereign nations. The Philippines is ready to reciprocate provided that the bullying, harassment and aggressive actions are ended immediately, “said Malaya who also acts as NSC’s assistant director general.

Earlier, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said China is open to a dialogue and ready to work with the Philippines in addressing the maritime issues that has adversely affected the resolve to settle peacefully the WPS issue.

However, the offer for dialogue should not be misconstrued as a weakening of China’s “resolve to protect its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests.”

China has claimed nearly all of WPS or South China Sea and this includes the exclusive economic zone of the Philippines.

Meanwhile, the Armed Forces of the Philippines said it will ask China to stop its interference of Filipino activities over the WPS sea, particularly the harassment of fishermen and personnel on resupply operations, before a dialogue should be conducted between the governments of the two nations.

AFP spokesperson Col. Medel Aguilar said China must allow the Philippine military to continue its regular rotation and resupply (RORE) missions for the Philippine outposts in the WPS.