By Genalyn D. Kabiling
The country’s top security official assured the nation yesterday that the government has not been remiss in taking diplomatic steps against China’s militarization in the South China Sea.
National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr. said the government has expressed concerns about the military buildup in the disputed region and has raised such matter in a bilateral dialogue with China.
“The Philippine government continuously monitors the actions of the various claimants in the South China Sea or West Philippine Sea. We note with serious concern the growing militarization in the area, such as the deployment of military assets especially on features near the Philippine territory,” Esperon said.
“In response to these actions, the Philippine government has not been remiss in undertaking diplomatic actions against any nation. In particular, the Department of Foreign Affairs had been raising such issues and concerns at the Bilateral Consultation Mechanism between China and the Philippines,” he added.
Esperon made the remarks after some groups criticized the government for failing to do enough to protest China’s increased militarization of the South China Sea.
