Malacañang frowns at China’s remarks

Malacañang yesterday frowned upon China’s proposed resumption of bilateral talks on the territorial dispute in the West Philippine Sea with the next administration. Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Zhao Jinhua had said they will continue to monitor the developments on Philippine elections, adding that they are hoping for bilateral talks with the next administration concerning the territorial dispute in the West Philippine Sea/South China Sea. Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Office (PCDSPO) Undersecretary Manuel Quezon III however said that China wants to reverse Philippine policy. The Aquino administration had turned down China’s calls for bilateral talks, saying that the Philippines is for a multilateral approach because there are other claimants to the disputed areas other than China and the Philippines. “I believe it’s an expression of China’s concern and China’s preference for a reversal of Philippine policy,” Quezon said. He said he hopes that the voters will vote for [...]