PNoy seeks global support vs China, compares Beijing leaders to Nazi's Hitler before World War II

From InterAksyon (Feb 5): PNoy seeks global support vs China, compares Beijing leaders to Nazi's Hitler before World War II

President Benigno Aquino III is seeking international support in contesting China's claims over the West Philippine Sea by comparing Chinese leadership to Nazi's Adolf Hitler before World War II.

The President, in an interview with The New York Times, cited a lesson from history where Europe failed to support Czechoslovakia against Adolf Hitler’s demands for the Sudetenland in 1938.

"Remember that the Sudetenland was given in an attempt to appease Hitler to prevent World War II," he said.

Aquino warned of the consequences of "(saying) yes to something we believe is wrong now."

"If we say yes to something we believe is wrong now, what guarantee is there that the wrong will not be further exacerbated down the line?...At what point do you say, ‘Enough is enough?’ Well, the world has to say it," he said.

No intent to call China a Hitler

In a briefing with reporters, Palace spokesmen later clarified there was no intent on President's Aquino’s part to describe Beijing as a Hitler, but that he solely wished to draw attention to the relevant events in a particular era, to remind the world of its lessons.

Aquino maintained in the interview that the Philippines will not give up its territories in the disputed area.

The New York Times described President's Aquino’s remarks as "among the strongest indications yet of alarm among Asian heads of state about China’s military buildup and territorial ambitions."

The Philippines is among the Asian countries that have territorial disputes with China over the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea).

During the interview, the President also said he is optimistic the Philippines and the United States are very close to an agreement that could enhance the Philippines' security, referring to a framework agreement on increased US rotational presence in the Philippines -- as part of President Obama’s defense “pivot” to the Asia-Pacific. Three negotiation sessions have thus far been held, two in Manila and one in Washington DC, but the talks stalled in late October. Officials from both sides have since reported progress on getting the deal back on track.

“We are very optimistic that [framework agreement] will happen,” Aquino told NYT.

On the other hand, the President expressed reluctance to increase military spending, if that means sacrificing social concerns.

“I’m not sure if I would be willing to sacrifice social concerns to try to improve the military capabilities,” he said.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/80163/pnoy-seeks-global-support-vs-china-compares-beijing-leaders-to-nazis-hitler-before-world-war-ii