Screengrab from www.globaltimes.cn
MANILA, Philippines—The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) ignored the editorial piece published by China’s state run newspaper Global Times that urged the use of “non-peaceful means” against Philippines and Vietnam.
“We don’t comment on those kinds of remarks,” DFA spokesman Charles Jose said in a press conference Friday.
“We continue to adhere to the principle of peaceful resolution and rule of law,” Jose said.
The Global Times newspapers published an editorial Friday saying that even though peaceful means should be the way to settle disputes, China should not discount the use of “non-peaceful measures” against Vietnam and Philippines.
“The South China Sea disputes should be settled in a peaceful manner, but that doesn’t mean China can’t resort to non-peaceful measures in the face of provocation from Vietnam and the Philippines,” the Global Times newspaper wrote in an editorial.
“Many people believe that a forced war would convince some countries of China’s sincere peaceful intentions,” it said.
Jose added that it’s not an official statement from anyone in the Chinese government.
Vietnam recently protested China’s move to deploy an oil rig near the disputed Paracel Islands.
Philippines and China are locked in a territorial dispute over China’s claim to the entire South China Sea including portions of the Philippines 200 nautical mile exclusive economic zone.
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