Phl will respond if Chinese ships won’t leave – Del Rosario

From: abs-cbnnews.com

Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario has warned that the Philippine government will respond if China still refuses to withdraw ships from the disputed Scarborough Shoal in the West Philippine Sea.

Del Rosario, in a keynote speech at a Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) forum in Washington, D.C, said China and the Philippines had earlier agreed to withdraw ships from Scarborough shoal.

He said the Philippines has pulled back its ships, but China hasn’t. "If they don't, the Philippines will respond.”

Surveillance flights by the Philippine Air Force revealed that three Chinese ships have remained in the waters just outside the shoal's lagoon. The Chinese have also cordoned off the shoal's entrance using ropes.

Del Rosario said the Philippines' diplomatic channels with China remain open. "We will not hesitate to speak out to protect our legitimate national interests.”

He said that with the help of the United States, the Philippines is building its minimum defense level posture to secure its territory.

He said Manila is focused on a peaceful and rules-based approach in its territorial dispute with China. He also outlined the Philippines' 3-track approach to its dispute with China, which are political, diplomatic, and legal tracks. ###