Del Rosario: Private meeting on PH-China affairs meant to protect ‘internal strategies’

Secretary of Foreign Affairs Albert del Rosario. AP FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines – Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert Del Rosario on Wednesday said that his call to discuss Philippines-China relations in an executive session was a move meant to protect “internal strategies” and “internal security issues.”

“We do have internal strategies that are based on information we cannot share with the public. Our strategies are often based on information that’s not known to the public and at some point in time, when we’re asked questions, we have to quickly think whether the information may be misinterpreted if put out in the public domain,” Del Rosario said in an interview with reporters.

Del Rosario said that they had to be careful about answering questions on issues, since there were internal security issues that surrounded or that could be obtained in terms of the questions asked.

“Before we get into an awkward situation…It’s not that I am not prepared to share this with members of Congress but what I’m saying is I’m not willing to share it with you in public. I’m willing to share it with you in executive session,” Del Rosario added.

Del Rosario was reacting to an assessment made saying his hesitation to openly discuss relations between the two countries was an indication that “all was not well” between the two countries and that the situation was serious.

Del Rosario called for an executive session when he was asked about Philippine-China relations at a hearing on the budget of the Department of Foreign Affairs at the Senate on Tuesday.

Del Rosario said that the territorial dispute between China and the Philippines was a matter of concern because the problems have not been resolved but that they “have very clearly delivered what we’re doing in order to be able to solve the problems.”

The presence of Chinese vessels in Scarborough Shoal, which the Philippines claims and calls Panatag Shoal, have caused tensions to flare between the two countries.

Del Rosario reiterated that they were doing their best in pursuing a peaceful diplomatic, political, legal, means in solving the disputes. He said that the DFA wanted other countries to help create a dispute settlement mechanism while still involving China in bilateral relations.

“We have to be patient and you have to trust that the strategy we have selected is intended to serve the nation’s interests,” Del Rosario said.

Del Rosario added that he had faith in talking with officials of the government in terms of sharing vital information on the relations between the two countries.

Del Rosario also appealed to all sectors to uphold unity and solidarity on the issue by supporting the country’s stance in pushing for a peaceful, diplomatic means of solution in accordance with international law.