THE Philippine government vowed to do everything within its power through diplomacy to convey the need to de-escalate tensions in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
According to the government, the enhanced maritime cooperation between the Philippines, Australia, and Japan could help ease tensions in the WPS.
Aside from that, Manila also stated that it will do everything to avoid possible direct confrontation with Beijing.
Meanwhile, the Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity held in the WPS between the Philippines, the US, Australia, and Japan reportedly proceeded smoothly.
China conducts military drills in South China Sea
Manila’s statement came a day after China conducted joint naval and air combat patrols on Sunday in the South China Sea.
The said drills were announced by the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Southern Theater Command of China.
“The Chinese PLA Southern Theater Command organized a joint naval and air strategic patrol in the South China Sea on April 7,” according to People’s Liberation Army (PLA), Southern Theater Command of China.
China’s naval drills coincided with the joint drills conducted by the Philippines with three other countries.
The Chinese army further added that all military activities disturbing the situation in the South China Sea and creating buzzes are now “under control.”
“All military activities disrupting the South China Sea situation and creating buzzes are under control,” People’s Liberation Army added.
On the other hand, National Security Council Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya questioned China’s joint naval and air patrols in the disputed area.
Malaya also questioned other statements made by the People’s Liberation Army of Beijing.
“And then, they said that it’s under control– that these things are under control. I said, how can they say things are under control when we haven’t even stepped out of our Exclusive Economic Zone? Our quad maritime cooperation activity with the US, Japan, and Australia, was done only within our Exclusive Economic Zone,” Jonathan Malaya, Assistant Director General, NSC stated.
To recall, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian stressed that China’s territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests in the South China Sea are firmly based on international law— and that the Philippines’ actions have escalated the situation.
Beijing often alleges that the Philippines has committed violations, and provocations and is inciting turmoil on the South China Sea Issue.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson also accused the Philippines of spreading disinformation or false information to mislead the international community’s view.
