China’s militarization of West Philippine Sea won’t target Philippines, says Esperon

The relationship between Philippines and China goes far more than matters regarding South China Sea or West Philippine Sea, and the two countries being able to come up with “bilateral consultative mechanisms” is a mark that the country has managed the dispute well, National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr. said.

Esperon made it clear that challenges over the disputed sea remain, but the Philippines has a better approach as it no longer engages in a word war with China.

“There remains to be a problem there which we have managed through what we call the bilateral consultative mechanisms and that will continue. Rather than shouting out or throwing remarks against each other we have now managed the area,” he said, adding that after all, “the real situation is that the Philippines relations with China, does not start and end with South China or the West Philippine Sea because there are also partnerships in trade, investments and cultural activities, and these are going very well.”

Esperon calmed the public from worrying over reports that China is strengthening its militarization in the West Philippine Sea, saying that such move was already expected and even with this, he believes China will not target the Philippines with what they are building.

“Militarization if there is, against whom? We are not targets but of course that strengthens their hold on the islands which is expected,” he said.

 
(DAILY NEWS ROUND UP FOR 04/ 20 /18)