Lorenzana fear US, China would clash at SCS
Credit to Author: DEMPSEY REYES| Date: Fri, 08 Mar 2019 17:20:24 +0000
Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana on Friday said he was more worried about China and the United States clashing over the South China Sea (West Philippine Sea) despite assurances to the contrary made recently by Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Zhao Jianhua.
“That was also mentioned to me by Ambassador Zhao, that they will never attack us,” Lorenzana told reporters in a text message.
“I worry about the two of them coming [to] blows because it will involve us,” he said.
On Wednesday, Zhao gave assurances that Beijing would not launch any attack against Manila, especially in the contested West Philippine Sea, as he said the region should be worried about “the other side.”
Although he did not name who “the other side” was, the Chinese ambassador was apparently referring to the US, which has been conducting patrols in the West Philippine Sea.
Earlier this week, the Defense chief said the Philippines does not wish to get involved in any war as he pushed for a review of the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty between the country and the US.
Zhao’s statement came days after US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo also assured the Philippines protection from any armed attack in the West Philippine Sea, during his recent two-day visit to Manila.
The Chinese envoy said the common interest of China, the US and even Southeast Asian countries was to keep peace and stability and ensure freedom of navigation in the disputed waters.
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