Bongbong Marcos believes Harris’ Palawan visit won’t raise PH-China tension

FILE PHOTO: U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris speaks at a Veterans Day event at Arlington National Cemetery, in Arlington, Virginia, U.S. November 11, 2022. REUTERS/Tom Brenner

BANGKOK, Thailand — The scheduled visit of United States (US) Vice President Kamala Harris to Palawan, the province nearest to the West Philippine Sea, will not heighten tension between the Philippines and China, according to President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.

“No. I don’t see why they should. She is in the Philippines and she is visiting another part of the Philippines,” said the President in an interview with reporters on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit here on Saturday.

READ: Kamala Harris to meet with Marcos, Duterte on US-PH security, economic ties

The President was asked if he is concerned that Harris’ visit to Palawan will fuel tension between the Philippines and China in that maritime area.

“Of course, it is the closest area to the South China Sea but it’s very clearly on Philippine territory. I don’t think it will cause problems,” he added.

For Marcos, the relationship between the Philippines and the US “must continue to evolve.”

Harris is set to meet with Marcos and Vice President Sara Duterte during the foreign leader’s visit to the country from November 20 to 22.

They will talk about the two nations’ ties on security and economy.

Harris will also visit Puerto Princesa in Palawan. She will be the highest-ranking US official to visit the province.

/MUF