China should present sincerity first earlier than PH talks on WPS

Protection Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. throughout a press convention after Division of Nationwide Protection’s anniversary held at Camp Aguinaldo. INQUIRER.web file picture / John Eric Mendoza

MANILA, Philippines — China should present its sincerity earlier than the Philippines can have fruitful bilateral talks with the nation on West Philippine Sea affairs, based on Protection Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr.

Teodoro on Monday additionally pressured this as he warned that the bilateral talks may very well be utilized by Beijing as a “mere weapon” to constrain Manila.

“What I’m saying is, [in] my private opinion, if there are going to be bilateral discussions it should be primarily based on basic ideas and it should be primarily based on sincerity, that it shall not be used merely as a weapon with a purpose to constrained the Philippines,” Teodoro mentioned in an ambush interview in Camp Aguinaldo, noting that the choice to carry bilateral talks with China lies inside President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.

READ: Teodoro blasts China’s ‘reversal of fact’ over claims on PH-US joint patrol

The highest protection official additionally warned that the nation will simply act in accordance with China’s “playbook” if it agrees to bilateral talks, particularly if it continues its “unlawful actions.”

“That is my private perception that formal bilateral discussions ought to solely be held when it’s confirmed that they’re honest,” Teodoro mentioned.

READ: Teodoro to China: Cease ‘invasion’ by harassment, construction build-up in WPS

“However the President himself has mentioned that their unlawful actions proceed unabated so to enter right into a bilateral negotiations and … in that context will probably be simply to be taking part in into their playbook and it is going to be an try to constrain the Philippines from imposing its claims which it rightfully has underneath worldwide legislation,” he added.

China asserts sovereignty in virtually all the South China Sea, together with a lot of the western part of the Philippines’ unique financial zone (EEZ), inflicting tensions between the 2 international locations.

A 2016 worldwide tribunal ruling, nevertheless, successfully dismissed China’s sweeping claims whereas ruling in favor of the Philippines.