PHL welcomes US position on China’s new map

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 28): PHL welcomes US position on China’s new map

Malacanang said it welcomes the decision of the United States to discuss the new Chinese map in the nation’s revised passport which created a diplomatic row among countries having territorial disputes with China. China printed in its revised passport the country’s new map that stakes claims to the whole of South China Sea and many other disputed areas. The US said it hasn’t endorsed China’s revised passport containing the controversial map. “It is something that we welcome na ginawang decision ng United States to discuss this with China,” Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda said in a press conference in Malacanang Wednesday. As a reaction to China's move, Lacierda said the Dept. of Foreign Affairs has created an inter-agency task force to look into the new diplomatic issue. While some countries don’t recognize the new Chinese passport, Lacierda said the DFA in the meantime will accept it while Philippine authorities thresh out the issue with China. “We’ve asked Assistant Secretary Raul Hernandez, ang sabi, in the meantime ire-recognize nila. So rerespetuhin ng ating mga Immigration officials ang bagong passports,” Lacierda said noting that Chinese citizens shouldn’t be blamed for having the passports. Lacierda pointed out that the Philippines will continue to insist its position, as he expressed the belief that putting a new map on China’s revised passport wouldn’t affect the country’s claim in the West Philippine Sea.....

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