Philippines vows to ‘stand up to aggression’

WASHINGTON–The Philippines is ready to “stand up to any aggressive action in our backyard” following tension with China in the West Philippine Sea, Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario warned Thursday.

During a joint press conference with Clinton, Del Rosario said the “Philippines has made clear its position on the issue to maintain peace while allowing for the economic development of the area.”

He added: “There is need to segregate the non-disputed areas from the disputed areas. What is ours is ours, and what is disputed can be shared.”

Del Rosario said he had told Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and other US officials that “while we are a small country we are prepared to do what is necessary to stand up to any aggressive action in our backyard.”

He said he discussed with Clinton his country’s proposal for “a rules-based regime in accordance with the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.”