China-organized tours to Spratlys a security concern, says Gazmin

Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin. FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines–Tours organized by China to the Spratlys and in the Paracels would be a security concern, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin said amid reports that the Beijing government was considering sending tourists to the contested territories in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea).

“That would be a security concern because if they intrude in our territory, that would be a big problem,” Gazmin told reporters after the Senate committee on finance hearing on his department’s proposed P121.6-billion budget for 2013.

Gazmin said that he has agreed with his Chinese counterpart to ensure that the lines between the two countries are open and that no provocative action be undertaken by each side.

Asked for his comment as regards a suggestion from a House member that the Philippine government also include the West Philippine Sea territories in its tour packages, Gazmin withheld further comment.

“According to our protocol, it is the Department of Foreign Affairs that should first comment as regards such issues,” Gazmin said.