But China is not a security threat to us, Roque adds
(Eagle News) — While noting China was not a “security threat,” the Palace on Monday, May 21, expressed “serious concerns” over what it said would be the impact of the Asian giant’s recent deployment of bombers to Woody Island in the South China Sea on “constructive efforts to maintain peace and stability in the region.”
“Even if we don’t feel that China is a security threat to us, for as long as there are weapons there, there could be mistakes in the discharge of these weapons,” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said in a press conference.
He said aside from this, “any threat of the use of force in one of the world’s busiest sea lanes, which happens also to be the sea lane where our oil supply passes through and bulk of our exports and imports pass through is a reason for concern to us.”
He said the decision to convene the National Security Council as suggested by National Security Adviser Roilo Gonzalez was left to the President.
“(But) right now the President does not see any immediate threat,” Roque said.
Duterte has adopted a friendlier stance toward China, which has been accused of aggressive militarization in the South China Sea.
Duterte’s stance is distinct from the one adopted by his predecessor, Benigno Aquino III, who took China to court over its allegedly expansive claims.
