Diplomacy

The Philippines does not want war but peace and it will always say no to conflict. President Rodrigo Duterte gave statement that because we value our friendship with China he will not go to the disputed South China Sea and raise our flag. The majority of Filipinos support the President’s policy of diplomacy with regards to issues that affect national interest, including our ongoing problem with China. 

China should exercise self-restraint and refrain from using force in accordance with universally recognized declarations and international laws instead of being stubborn in laying claim to the islands which are not even within its territorial boundaries.

On our part, the Philippine government should not take for granted China’s continued bullying. China is emboldened because it can afford to act boldly like building island city, airstrip. With these developments in the West Philippine Sea no doubt, China’s reiteration of its claim is real. Diplomacy is all right but we should continue to be firm, stern and determined to justify our claims to some of the islands including Benham Rise. If China is emboldened by its claim, let us show the same. – Ann R. Aquino, Cavite