South China Sea attacks? Worry about ‘other side’ – Chinese envoy

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines should not be worried about being attacked by China in the South China Sea, Beijing’s envoy said Wednesdays.

Chinese Ambassador Zhao Jianhua issued the statement to reporters days after United States Secretary of State Mike Pompeo assured the Philippines in a meeting with President Rodrigo Duterte that it would defend the country in case of an “armed attack” in the South China Sea.

“Maybe you would expect the Chinese side to be very concerned about his remarks. We are concerned more about the peace and stability in the South China Sea,” Zhao told reporters in Malacañang.

“Everybody, every country will suffer if peace and stability become something to the opposite — chaos or conflict,” he added. “So I think it is in the common interest of all countries, including China, including the United States and Asean countries, that we keep the peace and stability there and we keep the freedom of navigation in the whole South China Sea open.”

So there’s no need for the Philippines or other countries in the region to worry about possible attacks in the South China Sea?

“Well, we are worried about possible attacks from the other side,” he said. “We don’t worry about China attacking anybody because it is not our policy.”

And what is “the other side”?

“Use your imagination,” Zhao said. /atm