MANILA, Philippines – NANANATILING bukas ang gobyerno ng Pilipinas na lutasin ang maritime tension nito sa China sa pamamagitan ng mapayapang pamamaraan.
Ang pahayag na ito ni National Security Adviser (NSA) Eduardo Año ay tugon sa kamakailan lamang na sinabi ng Chinese Foreign Ministry at pag-aalala ukol sa pinakabagong maritime cooperative activity (MCA) sa pagitan ng Maynila at Washington na isinagawa mula Enero 3 hanggang 4.
“The MCA, the second of such iteration following the first activity in November last year, and one that was highlighted by a joint patrol in WPS, was deemed as “irresponsible” and “provocative” by the Chinese Foreign Ministry,” ayon sa ulat.
“The Philippines remains open to diplomatic discussions with China and reaffirms its commitment to fostering good relations with all nations. We believe that through peaceful dialogue and adherence to international law, we can achieve a resolution that serves the best interests of all parties involved in the region,” ang sinabi naman ni Año.
Nilinaw naman ng NSA na ang joint maritime activities sa pagitan ng Maynila at Washington ay isinagawa sa loob ng Philippines’ 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone (EEZ), at alinsunod sa international law.
“So how can they be provocative?” ang pagtataka ni Año.
Tinuran nito na ginagamit lamang naman ng Pilipinas ang sovereign right nito na maka-ugnay sa cooperative activities sa mga kapanalig na bansa sa loob ng teritoryo nito “to ensure the security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.”
“Our joint patrols with the United States and potential future activities with other allied countries show our mutual commitment to a rules-based international order and for promoting peace and stability in the region,” ding pahayag ng NSA.
“It also demonstrates the significant improvement in the Philippines’ defense capabilities and the development of a world-class navy and armed forces capable of carrying out its mandate to defend the territorial integrity of the Philippines and our maritime rights in the West Philippine Sea,” dagdag na pahayag ni Año.
Kasama sa MCA ang joint activities sa pagitan ng AFP at US Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM) gaya ng cross-deck maneuvers o personnel transfers.
“The AFP deployed assets including BRP Gregorio Del Pilar (PS-15), BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PS-16), and AW109 helicopter while the USINDOCPACOM deployed its Carrier Strike Group-1, led by the Nimitz class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN70).
The MCA, however, was marred by the shadowing of Chinese ships,” ayon sa AFP. Kris Jose
