Metro Manila, Philippines— Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo said he is “hesitant” to answer on statements of “act of war” in the recent incident in the West Philippine Sea, stressing that Manila is still committed to China to resolve disputes peacefully.
In a budget briefing of the House of Representatives for the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Tuesday, Kabataan Rep. Raoul Manuel asked the secretary if it was “wise” that the Philippines is on a “war footing” after the recent incursion in the contested waters.
Manalo answered that the country is “not on a war footing.”
“I hesitate to answer what would be an act of war,” he said when further pressed on the department’s perspective on the matter.
“The general understanding among all countries is to try and resolve the disputes in the South China Sea through peaceful means,” the DFA chief said. “And even with China, we have entered into discussions with them bilaterally that we will try and resolve our disputes through peaceful means, to focus on areas where our relations are really positive.”
Manalo stressed that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has an independent foreign policy and that the country is “a friend to all”.
Manuel raised the issue as he said he is getting “mixed signals” with various government officials commenting on the Aug. 5 incident, when the China Coast Guard blocked and firedwater cannons at Philippine vessels during a resupply mission to the Ayungin Shoal.
Manuel raised the issue as he said he is getting “mixed signals” with various government officials commenting on the Aug. 5 incident, when the China Coast Guard blocked and firedwater cannons at Philippine vessels during a resupply mission to the Ayungin Shoal.
