Incoming National Security Adviser (NSA) Clarita Carlos on Thursday said the Marcos administration will pursue a “critical engagement” with China amid the territorial dispute in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
In a radio interview, Carlos said she and President-elect Ferdinand Marcos Jr. discussed the country’s relationship with China during a meeting on Wednesday.
She said critical engagement involves creating a holistic framework considering all aspects in the country’s relationship with China.
“Critical engagement means you need to pay attention to all political, economic, social, cultural aspects of our relationship with China,” she said in Filipino.
“While others are only looking at the economic, or defense or military aspects, with critical engagement, you will create a holistic framework,” she said.
Carlos said this approach will be also used with other countries.
Asked about China’s bullying in the South China Sea, Carlos said the administration would continue to engage in talks with Beijing.
“You only have two alternatives. You continue to talk or you go to war. I am sure the other alternative is not our option. We continue to talk,” she said.
Carlos will replace Hermogenes Esperon Jr., a former military chief of staff.
A former University of the Philippines professor, Carlos said she accepted the offer to be Marcos’ NSA because defense, security, and foreign policy are her areas of research and expertise.
Senators on Thursday welcomed the appointment of Carlos and Rep. Conrado Estrella III as secretary for the Department of Agrarian Reform.
“Prof. Clarita Carlos is an exceptional choice for the position of NSA Head, especially since she is an expert in geo-politics,” said Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri, who is expected to be the next Senate president.
Senator Francis Escudero said Carlos, who was his former professor, can effectively advise Marcos on issues like the West Philippine Sea.
Senator Loren Legarda said she has worked with Carlos for decades.
“She was my consultant in the Senate, and I learned much. As a national security practitioner, I know that she is an outstanding national security expert, with a keen mind that specializes on global, and geopolitics. I hope that she will focus on the climate crisis, as well.”
Legarda said Estrella knows agriculture, rural livelihoods, and local government concerns.
“He will do well in DAR, and hopefully will transform the agrarian reform communities into productive, climate resilient areas to further help our farmers,” she added.
Meanwhile, incoming Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said he would schedule another meeting with outgoing Secretary Menardo Guevarra to discuss further the “complex problems facing the country’s justice system.”
“We might ask for a second one because the problems that have to be addressed in the system are complex,” Remulla said after meeting Guevarra.
Guevarra did not also give details on his meeting with Remulla. He had earlier said that he and his team would give Remulla a briefing on DOJ operations, programs, and projects.