PHL reiterates peaceful resolution of WPS row with China

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 19): PHL reiterates peaceful resolution of WPS row with China

Amid reports that China is increasing its military might in the South China Sea (West Philippine Sea) by putting up anti-aircraft missiles which elicited concerns on freedom of navigation and overflight operations from the U.S. and Japan, Foreign Affairs Secretary Perfecto Yasay Jr., on Monday said the Philippines would rather address the issue through peaceful resolution.

The chief Philippine envoy pointed out that for the meantime, “we have placed it at the back burner without compromising our rights as declared by the arbitral tribunal.”

“Let them take whatever action is necessary in the pursuit of their national interest is concerned and we will leave it at that,” Yasay said.

He said the Philippines has its own bilateral agreement with China to ensure no further actions would raise tension in the disputed region.

“We feel that this is necessary also as part of a confidence-building measure so that we can later on go back to the issue of our dispute in the West Philippine Sea, through peaceful resolution,” Yasay said.

“Let them take whatever action is necessary in the pursuit of their national interest is concerned and we will leave it at that,” said Yasay who was referring to US and Japan.

DFA spokesman and Assistant Secretary Charles Jose, last week said that Manila was verifying the report.

If proven, he said it would be a “cause for serious concern because it tends to raise tension and undermine peace and stability in the region.”

“We, thus, renew our call on all parties concerned to refrain from taking any action that would raise tension in the region and further complicate the situation. Concerned parties should instead work together to promote peace, security and stability in the South China Sea,” Jose was quoted as saying.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=949470