By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Despite the bullying of China, the Philippines still wants a peaceful resolution in the West Philippine Sea.
“We don’t want war,” National Security Adviser (NSA) Eduardo Año emphasized on Friday (12 July 2024) when asked by reporters what to do with the aggressive actions of Chinese vessels in the WPS.
He pointed out that the Philippines rejects the “use of force” to undermine its interests in the WPS and has agreed with China to ease tensions in a contested shoal.
Año disclosed that efforts were underway to de-escalate tensions in the disputed waterway, where Manila and Beijing have accused each other of aggressive behavior involving their ships and of damaging the marine environment.
He said the way forward was to uphold the 2016 award and oppose efforts to undermine its significance.
“It is not and will never be a mere piece of paper,” he said, apparently chiding former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte who ignored the award as he sought closer ties with China.
(el Amigo/MNM)
