DFA “taking appropriate diplomatic action necessary to protect (PHL) claims” in S. China Sea

(Eagle News)—-The Department of Foreign Affairs on Monday, May 21, said it was “taking the appropriate diplomatic action necessary to protect our claims and will continue to do so in the future.”

The DFA issued the statement following reports of China’s aggressive militarization in the South China Sea, with the recent deployment of bombers allegedly on Woody Island, which is also claimed by Vietnam and Taiwan.

“While appropriate language, whether expressions of condemnation or concern, over certain developments are clearly conveyed through diplomatic channels, it is not our policy to publicize every action taken by the Philippine Government whenever there are reported developments taking place in the West Philippine Sea and the South China Sea,” the DFA noted.

Even then, it said “fighting for our rights under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and under our present strategy, we intend to achieve much more, including, but not limited to, an effective comprehensive Code of Conduct that will promote peace, cooperation, and stability in the West Philippine Sea and the South China Sea.”

Since President Rodrigo Duterte assumed the post  in 2016, the Philippines has adopted a friendlier stance toward China.

In previous speeches, Duterte called China a “brother” and a “friend” even as he reiterated he was nurturing relationships with all other countries including the United States.

 

 

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