By Christina Mendez
MANILA, Philippines - The Palace is taking a wait-and-see attitude on pronouncements from US secretary of state-designate Rex Tillerson that China should be denied access to contested islands in the South China Sea.
Asked to comment on Tillerson’s statement made before the US Senate foreign relations committee, Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar said the US official’s views “reflect his personal beliefs and should be respected.”
Tillerson’s statement is likely to further antagonize China and possibly give it another excuse to flex its muscles in disputed waters.
“The reasonable response is to wait and see what the new administration’s policy pronouncements will be,” he said, referring to the administration of US president-elect Donald Trump.
Andanar underscored the importance for the Philippines and the US to remain committed to peace and stability in the region.
With Duterte’s closer ties with Beijing, Andanar said the Palace finds it more proper to “refrain from any and all acts that would jeopardize freedom of navigation and overflights along this vital sea lane.”
In his pronouncements at his confirmation hearing before the Senate, Tillerson set a course for a potentially serious confrontation with Beijing.
Read the full story at The Philippine Star