PH gov’t shrugs off China warning on plane deal with Japan

Malacañang on Friday chose not to answer the Chinese government’s warning against the lease of five training aircraft from Japan.

Asked for reaction on foreign ministry spokesperson Hong Lei’s statement that “China is resolutely opposed” to the Philippines’ actions, Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said, “It is the duty of the government to continuously develop our capabilities in ensuring the safety and security of our nation.”

READ: China warns PH, Japan on plane deal

“Lease or other forms of acquisition from regional partners and allies is but a usual activity of any country. This is a legal and internationally accepted process of acquisition by governments,” he said.

President Benigno Aquino III on Wednesday said the Philippine government was expecting the lease of five TC-90 aircraft from Japan to help patrol the contested West Philippine Sea (South China Sea).

READ: Aquino: PH to use 5 Japanese aircraft for West Philippine Sea missions

Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, however, said the plan to lease the training aircraft was not yet finalized.

He said Japan offered the planes to help address the government’s “capability gap on patrolling our maritime area.”

READ: PH plans to lease Japanese planes still being finalized, Gazmin says

The Philippines is one of the countries with a claim on South China Sea. China, another claimant country, has been building artificial islands in the disputed areas.

Coloma, in a media briefing, said that the Philippines is among the countries insisting on the importance of the freedom of navigation in South China Sea. He said it is important for global trade and progress.

“Walang hangarin ang ating bansa na lumikha ng ligalig dyan dahil ang ating patakaran nga  ay ‘yung diplomatiko at tahimik na pagresolba ng mga usapin dyan sa lugar ng South China Sea,” he said.

(Our country has no intention to cause distress because our policy is diplomacy and peaceful resolution of the South China Sea issue). RC