Phl triple action vs China’s lighthouse

Part of Johnson Reef locally called Mabini Reef at the Spratly Islands. Photo from Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs / scmp.com.

MANILA — Philippine’s proposed triple action will be pushed against China’s plan to build lighthouses on some islands in the disputed territories in the South China Sea.

The Department of Foreign Affairs said yesterday that the country will not allow China to continue its construction plans.

“Our Triple Action Plan that we are proposing in the discussion we plan to have at the AMM (ASEAN Ministerial Meeting) and related meetings, I think, would be able to address that issue,” Foreign Affairs spokesman Charles Jose said in a press briefing.

“We should take measures that would deescalate, to manage the tension, to create the atmosphere that would lead to an eventual resolution of the dispute,” he added.

To ease the tension, Jose reiterated that the Philippines will resort to diplomatic means.

“We hope that ASEAN, if we all agree, would be able to convince China. That is our hope – to agree to the cessation of activities that escalate tension,” Jose said.