UNWANTED COMPANY A boat (center) carrying supplies and sent by the Philippine military to Ayungin Shoal is shadowed by a China Coast Guard ship and a Chinese militia vessel. Partially seen (lower right corner) is a Philippine Coast Guard craft keeping watch of the pursuers. (SCREEN GRAB FROM PCG-WPS on September 9, 2023)
MANILA, Philippines — War in the West Philippine Sea is not in the interest of any country, including China, said National Security Council (NSC) Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya on Monday.
At the Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon public briefing, Malaya said the national government’s countermeasure to China’s continued aggression in the West Philippine Sea is multifaceted, which means it also has diplomatic approaches.
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“It also talks about exhausting diplomatic efforts to resolve the issue. Because we know, it is not in the interest of the Philippines, it is not in the interest of China, the United States or any of our allies and partners for war to happen,” said Malaya in a mix of English and Filipino.
Malaya said that a diplomatic solution is still being sought.
“We will not be deterred. Tayo ay handa na gawin ang lahat para ipaglaban yung atin din naman, yung ating maritime rights and entitlements in the West Philippine Sea and other parts of the archipelago,” said Malaya.
(We will not be deterred. We are ready to do everything to fight for what is ours, our maritime rights, our entitlements in the West Philippine Sea and other parts of the archipelago.)
READ: Marcos forms body to beef up West Philippine Sea security
On Maundy Thursday, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. promised a countermeasure against China’s string of aggression in the West Philippine Sea.
Last Sunday, the President ordered the creation of the National Maritime Council to address maritime threats.