Philippines, China to “engage in very serious conversation” over South China Sea issues

June 1, 2018

The Philippines will continue "to engage in very serious conversations” with China over the recent developments at the South China Sea as part of asserting its rights over some portions at the disputed areas, a foreign affairs official said Friday.

Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Ernesto Abella made the statement after the Philippines filed a protest against Beijing's installation of missile systems in the Spratly Islands.

Abella said the government has raised concerns about safety of Filipinos at the seas, safety of travel, allowing fishing activities and environmental issues.

“The Philippines continues to engage in diplomatic actions towards our partner countries and especially in this case, those who are having claims in the West Philippine Sea, the South China Sea,” he said.

“We continue to ensure that our areas of cooperation especially with China are protected: safety of the seas, safety of travel, oil and gas, fisheries, and environmental concerns. We continue to engage in diplomatic actions,” Abella added.

Abella said the DFA is not telegraphing its diplomatic punches.

“Of course, we appreciate all these calls. We appreciate the calls of the Senate. We appreciate the calls of the critics, even the critics. But we’d like to continue to assure them that there is a lot of serious engagement going on,” Abella said. DMS