MikeLigalig.com

By Paolo Romero
The Philippine Star

Malacañang yesterday said there is no reason for the government to be alarmed over the announcement of the Chinese government for increased patrols in the South China Sea amid renewed tensions over the disputed Spratly Islands.

Press Secretary Cerge Remonde said the government is taking the Chinese government’s word that all its actions in the South China Sea are “non-belligerent.”

“We join China in its position that everyone concerned should abide by the code of conduct in the South China Sea,” Remonde told a news briefing, referring to the agreement forged between China and members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations regarding the claims over the Spratlys.

He said the Philippines does not feel insecure that it has a relatively weak military to enforce its claim over a portion of the Spratlys or the Kalayaan Island Group, unlike other claimants, like China, that have military muscle.

“We believe in this modern day and age there is equality among individual nations big or small under the international community of nations,” Remonde said.

There were reports that China will increase its patrols in the South China Sea to protect its interests following a recent confrontation with a US naval ship.

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