PH, China deal with maritime disputes thru negotiation

FILE: Xinhua’s report included that Yi met with Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano and Undersecretary Enrique Manalo. (Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China)

The official press agency of the People’s Republic of China reported that the Philippines and China agreed to “properly manage” their maritime disputes.

Xinhua on May 31, Thursday reported that the Director-General of the Department of Boundary and Ocean Affairs of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs Yi Xianliang said in a statement that he led a Chinese diplomatic delegation.

It further stated that this was to pay a visit to the Philippines from May 30 to 31.

Xinhua’s report also said that Yi met with Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano and Undersecretary Enrique Manalo.

“The two sides discussed the current situation of the South China Sea and exchanged views on maritime issues of mutual concern. Both sides agreed that Beijing and Manila should follow the spirit of consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries and properly manage maritime through dialogue and negotiation,” the report read.

“Both sides also agreed to protect peace and stability of the South China Sea, and keep pushing forward pragmatic maritime cooperation in various fields, so as to create a good atmosphere for the healthy and stable development of bilateral relationship,” it added.

Echoing Cayetano’s claim that the Philippine government has submitted diplomatic protests in private, Malacañang said that the government “will resort to all diplomatic initiatives when warranted but without fanfare.”

[Read: Cayetano says that PH filed ‘several dozens’ of diplomatic protests vs China]

“The President, who is the chief architect of the nation’s foreign policy, will not sit on our rights and will never give away even an inch of territory,” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque, Jr. said.

Diplomatic and security experts have been slamming the administration and have encouraged it to publicize all its diplomatic actions to ease public tension and concern and to add pressure to China to change ways.

[Read: All the Duterte gov’t got from China is ‘continuing harassment’: AMTI Director and Security analyst says diplomatic actions should be publicized]