(Eagle News) — The Department of Foreign Affairs said that it is “taking the appropriate diplomatic action necessary to protect” the Philippine claims on disputed territories in the South China Sea in view of recent developments in the region.
In a statement, the DFA reiterated its “commitment to protect every single inch of our territory and areas which we have sovereign rights over.”
“We are taking the appropriate diplomatic action necessary to protect our claims and will continue to do so in the future,” it said after China’s recent military actions in Woody Island.
But at the same time, the DFA stressed that it is not making public all their diplomatic actions and efforts.
It also assured that it had already conveyed with China through diplomatic channels, the Philippines’ statement of concern regarding the increasing militarization of China in the disputed seas.
The department, however, did not indicate if this was related to the recent landing of its several combat aircraft — — including the long-range, nuclear strike-capable H-6K — at an island airfield in the sea, Woody Island, triggering international concern.
The island is home to China’s largest base in the Paracel Islands, which are 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 said.
China had earlier rejected concerns aired by the United States that it was raising tensions in the region because of its military actions.
“The South China Sea islands are Chinese territories,” foreign ministry spokesperson Lu Kang told a regular briefing.
Lu said moving the bombers into the area was “part of the normal training for the Chinese military”, and that the US “sending its own warships and planes to the region… poses a danger to other countries”.
The DFA said that under the Philippine government’s present strategy, the Philippines will not only fight for the country’s rights under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), but will also continue to move forward by “taking a different approach to avoid any drawbacks and challenges.”
It said that the Philippines, through what is being done right now, will “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.”
“In professionally and prudently advancing our interests in the West Philippine Sea and the South China Sea, we will always be guided by our patriotic duty to protect the Filipino people and defend our sovereignty,” the DFA statement added.
(with a report from Agence France Presse)
