(Dan Tri) – The Philippine Foreign Secretary said that having to `choose sides` between the US and China is a `dangerous game` as both powers expand their influence in the Asia-Pacific.
Philippine Foreign Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jnr (Photo: AP)
Speaking at a forum organized by the International Institute for Strategic Studies in Singapore on November 6, Foreign Minister Teodoro Locsin Jnr said the Philippines still considers the US to be its only military ally.
According to Foreign Minister Locsin, requiring countries to choose sides is a `dangerous game` and creates a `vicious circle` with security concerns.
Foreign Secretary Locsin said he feared that the Philippines would be caught between two powers that are trying to entice other countries.
According to Mr. Locsin, the Philippines needs to pursue a `truly independent foreign policy` and `stand on its own feet.`
However, Mr. Locsin is uncertain whether other countries will pursue a similar approach to the Philippines, amid growing geopolitical tensions as China rises.
“The eagle is still taking flight, but the dragon is also flying fast,” the Philippine Foreign Secretary said, referring to the US and China.
US aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan and warships in the East Sea (Photo: AFP)
Foreign Secretary Locsin also reiterated Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s statement that the US has not prevented China from conducting reclamation activities or building illegal military facilities on islands controlled by Beijing in the East Sea.
According to Mr. Locsin, China accepts the idea of freedom of navigation in the East Sea, but still wants to have its own `privileges`.
The Philippines brought the East Sea dispute with China to the permanent arbitration court in the Netherlands in 2016, and the court ruled against Beijing’s unreasonable nine-dash line claim to occupy the entire sea.
Since President Duterte came to power after a `legal victory` against China, the Philippine leader has almost ignored the `South China Sea ruling` to promote closer relations with Beijing to gain more revenue.
Commenting on the 2016 arbitration court ruling, Foreign Minister Locsin said that the Philippines believes in international law and filed a lawsuit with the arbitration court in the Netherlands with the aim of restraining China.
“It is a victory for international law, especially for the Philippines.
Foreign Minister Locsin affirmed that major powers cannot take advantage of the Philippines, and said he has repeatedly sent diplomatic notes protesting against China this year.
On November 6, Mr. Locsin also announced on Twitter that he would send another diplomatic note to protest against China if information about Beijing firing flares to warn Philippine aircraft on patrol missions in the East Sea is confirmed.
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According to SCMP
