Aquino wants peaceful resolution to Scarborough standoff

MANILA, Philippines—President Benigno Aquino wants a peaceful resolution to the ongoing standoff between the Philippines and China over Scarborough Shoal.

“No one will surely benefit if violence will erupt there,” Aquino told reporters at the Manila Hotel after accepting a Doctors of Law honorary degree from the Central Escolar University.

The President said his government will pursue a diplomatic resolution to the problem but at the same time maintained the need for the country’s sovereignty over Scarborough Shoal to reign.

“We cannot just give it away (Scarborough Shoal) and we cannot depend on others but ourselves,” he also said.

The President also said that he had talked to military and Philippine Coast Guard officials to observe the rules of engagement “to ensure no violence will happen there.”