Philippine National Security Advisor Eduardo Ano says Manila will ‘react’ to coercion in the South China Sea.
The Philippines will “stand its ground” in its dispute with China in the South China Sea, a senior security official said.
Manila and Beijing have been involved in a series of escalating clashes over the strategic waterway, with each side accusing the other’s ships of carrying out dangerous maneuvers near the contested Second Thomas Shoal.
“We will continue to defend our position and fight back against coercion, interference, malign influence and other tactics that seek to endanger our security and stability,” said Philippine National Security Advisor Eduardo Ano on Friday. fair, in an event that celebrates the anniversary of an international decision. about the dispute against China.
Ano said Manila rejects any use of force that seeks to “coerce and subordinate the national interests of the Philippines” but is “committed to the cause of peace.”
“We are committed to addressing and managing difficult issues through dialogue and diplomacy,” Ano said.
China claims more than 90% of the South China Sea, including waters that fall within the exclusive economic zones of the Philippines and four other Southeast Asian countries.
An international tribunal in The Hague in 2016 concluded that China’s claims had “no legal basis”.
Beijing rejected that decision as “illegal, null and void.”
The coast guards and navies of China and the Philippines have been involved in numerous clashes in the disputed waters, including an incident last month during which Chinese coast guard personnel wielding knives, sticks and an ax surrounded and boarded three Philippine Navy boats during a resupply mission for Second Thomas. Shoal in the Spratly Islands.
The Philippines has strengthened military cooperation with the United States and its allies in a context of China’s growing power and influence in the region.
On Monday, Manila signed a defense pact that will allow Japan to send its troops to its territory.
The Philippines will continue to “promote closer ties with like-minded countries” and remain open to “frank discussions based on mutual respect and sincerity,” Ano said.
This story originally appeared on Aljazeera.com read the full story
