MASINLOC, ZAMBALES— The head of a fisherman’s group here likened to a “lollipop” being offered to appease a crying child a Chinese government offer to bring fish-growing technology to local fishermen displaced by a territorial row over Scarborough Shoal.

The offer was made by Liu Sinchong, assistant director of China’s department of fisheries, who visited fishermen here and gave assurance that they would not be harassed in Scarborough, an area within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone but which China is claiming to be part of its territory.

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The head of a fisherman’s group here made the comparison when asked to comment on Sinchong’s visit.

Sinchong told fishermen Philippine and Chinese leaders are working together “to bury the hatchet” over Scarborough, a rich fishing ground.

“Our countries had misunderstanding in the past but we have now become like brothers,” Liu, speaking through an interpreter, told the fishermen.

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Liu referred to the recent state visit of President Duterte to China, noting that the Philippine leader was “very sincere” when he met with Chinese President Xi Jinping and other officials.

“The situation [between the two countries] will now change. China’s government will help Filipino fishermen have a good life,” Liu said.

Liu said the Chinese government is offering the fishermen training on aquaculture in China to provide a livelihood source aside from just fishing.

But Leo Cuaresma, chair of the Federated Fishermen Association of Masinloc, said the fishermen are hesitant to accept Liu’s offer.

“China is treating us like a child, offering us a lollipop,” Cuaresma said.

“The Philippines should assert its right over the shoal and China should not set the conditions for us,” he added.

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Scarborough, also known as Panatag Shoal or Bajo de Masinloc, is some 230 km from the Zambales coastline, and serves as a traditional fishing ground for Filipinos.

China seized Scarborough from the Philippines after a two-month standoff in 2012.

According to Liu, Xi directed him to talk with Filipino fishermen and offer the Chinese government’s help for those displaced by the territorial row.

“I’m happy to see you and I know you are surprised by my visit. But I’m here to let you know that our leaders are working together to improve your lives,” Liu told the fishermen.

He said Xi had instructed him to explore alternative sources of livelihood for Filipino fishermen.

“Our President knows that Zambales is a fishing province so we would like to know how our government can help boost your income,” he said.

Liu invited fishermen to undergo training on aquaculture in China. “China is the number one aquaculture country in the world and 80 percent of our fish are cultured so we will help you develop aquaculture facilities here,” he said.

Liu led a 14-member delegation of Chinese government officials who are also scheduled to meet Mr. Duterte in Davao City.

Wilfredo Cruz, head of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources in Central Luzon, said Liu’s visit sought to outline the extent of the impact of the territorial dispute in the West Philippine Sea.

“We’re happy that our fishermen are no longer driven away from the Scarborough Shoal. Mr. Liu is here to assess the situation of our fishermen,” Cruz said. —ALLAN MACATUNO

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