Palace spokesman hits back at China

Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda

MANILA — After China’s foreign ministry accused the country for stirring tensions in the disputed waters, Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda hit back saying China is guilty of the very thing it accuses the Philippines.

China Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hua Chunying was earlier reported to have criticized President Benigno Aquino III’s meeting with Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

The spokesperson also encouraged the two countries to stop making trouble and doing actions that would further stir the situation.

“It is our opinion that relevant countries should show sincerity and move towards the same direction with China, rather than deliberately stir up tension and bring additional complicated factors to the regional situation,” Hua said.

China has earlier released a new map which includes an expansive claim in the disputed territories in the West Philippine Sea.

China also keeps criticizing the two nations as both the countries continue its military expansion in the contested waters.

While the Philippines remain firm on resolving the issue through international arbitration, China still rejects possibility of allowing international courts to step in.