Mon, July 30, 2012
On July 27, the Philippines' deputy presidential spokesperson claimed there is no need yet to send an UN peacekeeping force to prevent conflicts among claimant nations in the South China Sea. Manila continues to work for a peaceful resolution to the territorial dispute, and pledges that no provocative actions to China will be conducted.
The statement came on the heels of a proposal by Congressman Rodolfo Biazon and some MPs to appeal for a peacekeeping force in the South China Sea, in case of potential armed clashes between Beijing and Manila.
According to AFP's report last Friday, despite China's recent appointment of a new mayor and senior officers to Shasha, the pilippine government is seeking ways to de-escalate intense tensions between the two countries.
"At the moment, the government is focused on pursuing the three tracks that we mentioned- legal, diplomatic, as well as the political tracks-the three tracks that we have chosen", Abigail Valte said.
In response to its MPs' demand of UN's involvement, Valte made it clear that the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is attending to the situation, keeping communication lines open with their Chinese counterparts in search for a peaceful resolution to the territorial dispute.
"That is our focus for now," said Valte, "Our commitment is not to undertake provocative action." However, she insisted that Scarborough Shoal "is part of the Philippines' exclusive economic zone (EEZ)."
When asked whether or not Chinese vessels in the area were "poaching" in contentious waters, Valte said there has been no official verification of the report from the Philippine Navy.
Related News:
