Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. yesterday confirmed that the government has filed a diplomatic protest against China over the passage of some of its warships in Philippine waters.
“They’re just fired off, that’s it,” he said. Locsin did not provide additional details, saying he prefers to discuss the issue with the Philippine Army.
“You know how I feel about speaking to the civilian media, I speak only to the Army. Really, that’s the best,” he said. “I’ve already described my foreign policy as the fist in the iron glove of the Army.”
The Armed Forces Western Mindanao Command earlier reported that five Chinese naval vessels passed through Sibutu Strait in the waters of Tawi-Tawi — four of which were recorded in July and the last on Aug. 4.
The unauthorized passage compelled President Duterte to issue an order instructing all foreign vessels passing through the Philippines’ territorial waters to get a clearance “well in advance.”
It is not clear whether or not the issue will be brought up by Duterte who is expected to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping when he visits China anew next week.
When asked about Duterte’s agenda on his China trip, Locsin said the government was still “working on” it. (PNA)
