Palace allays China’s ‘concern’ over Duterte’s plan for disputed areas

Malacañang allayed on Saturday the “concern” of China over the order of Presiden Rodrigo Duterte for the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to occupy uninhabited islands in disputed areas of the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea).

“The Philippines assures all claimant countries that we remain committed to improving and enhancing our relations with our neighbors and partners in the region,” Secretary Ernesto Abella, presidential spokesperson, said in a statement.

Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying on Friday expressed China’s concern following Duterte’s order.

“We hope the Philippine side can continue to properly manage maritime disputes with China and safeguard together the sound and stable situation of China-Philippines relations,” Hua said.

The Chinese official said her country would continue “defending its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests in the South China Sea, and safeguarding peace and stability there.”

Abella clarified on Friday that Duterte would only want “to develop what we have already occupied.”

READ: Palace” Duterte wants to develop already occupied islands

His statement came after Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana clarified the President’s statement, saying that government troops had long been deployed in nine areas in the West Philippine Sea.

In a speech at the Western Command of the AFP in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, Duterte ordered the military to deploy troops and fortify unoccupied islands and reefs claimed by the Philippines in the West Philippine Sea.

READ: Gov’t to build structures on islands in West PH Sea, says Duterte

But the AFP said it would only upgrade its facilities on its naval detachments in the Spratlys and not occupy new ones.

Abella said Duterte’s order was only meant to assure “ the living conditions, safety and personal security of Filipinos in PH territory.”

“The President’s position on the matter is clear and has nothing to do with politics,” he said. “His instructions cover only existing PH facilities and PH territory.”

The Philippines and China had been locked in a long standing martitime dispute in the West Philippines Sea. The United Nations arbitral tribunal has favored the Philippines’ diplomatic protest against China but ithe superpower nation refused to recognize the ruling.

Duterte said he would raise the ruling with China during his term as he was still rebuilding the Philippines’ strained relationship with its neighbor. /atm