The country is “determined as ever” to build up its military as tensions in the West Philippine Sea continue to run high.
National Security Adviser Eduardo Año made the disclosure following the June 17 confrontation at Ayungin Shoal.
“In the face of all these foreign incursions, we are determined as ever to progressively build our defense capabilities to effectively deter and counter all threats to our nation’s peace and security,” Año, quoted by ABS-CBN News, said at a reception aboard Philippine Coast Guard ship BRP Melchora Aquino docked in Manila port.
Año highlighted China’s harassments and provocations in the Philippine waters, which he said, were always handled by Philippine uniformed personnel with restraint and responsibility.
“As a sovereign state, it is our duty as well to upgrade our readiness and capabilities to assert our rights and push back against illegal, coercive, aggressive and deceptive tactics. In this respect, no country can stop us from bolstering our defense posture and tell us what to do and what not to do within our Exclusive Economic Zone,” the official said.
Año also said the government remains committed to resolving the issues through dialogue and diplomacy, as well as by working with the international community to uphold maritime law.
“Rebuilding a conducive environment for peaceful dialogue and consultations is also something that we have to continue working on together. While we vehemently denounce and repeatedly express grave concerns on the continued hostile behaviors of our neighbor, our commitment and pursuit for peace and stability within and around our territory is not pushed to the side,” Año, quoted by ABS-CBN News, said.
He continued, “In fact, we have been exerting our best efforts to urge China to respect and act following international laws, rules, and orders and be true to their words by translating them into actions.”
Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Enrique Manalo earlier said the government hopes to convene the Philippines-China Bilateral Consultation Mechanism on the South China Sea in early July “specifically to discuss the recent incidents.”
The two countries launched the consultative mechanism in 2017 to promote the peaceful management of conflicts in the South China Sea.
Manalo said the proposed July meeting will look to establish “confidence-building measures” that can create the basis for “more serious discussions.”