China has been a "bully" to the PH - Lorenzana

China has been a bully to the Philippines.

In a recent interview with Department of National Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana told reporters at the 2019 Disaster Risk Resilience Summit in Quezon City, cannot help say China has been a bully to the Philippines with respect to all that has happened in the diputed areas of the West Philippine Sea.

The defense chief reacted to the statement of the Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Zhao when in his prepared statement he basically said that China will not be the first one to fire a bullet as it will continue to adhere to the policy of “peaceful settlement” in addressing maritime disputes in the South China Sea.

Defense Sec. Delfin Lorenzana
(photo credit to owner)

“I know you are all concerned about the situation in the South China Sea. I would like to say a few words. The South China Sea issue is not something we have today. It’s being part of the history. But over the four or five decades in the past, China is firm with adhering to the policy of peaceful settlement and this policy will remain and will continue,” Zhao was quoted as saying in the event.

“Despite the differences we have, we are ready to discuss with claimants over the differences we have. We always believe by law is much better than confrontation,” he added.

Lorenzana however does not buy the whole thing unless the Chinese government matches their words and their actions, 

“I have heard that version of those speech many times already. I heard that from the mouth of [Chinese President] Xi Jinping when we met him with the President, first time we met in 2016. I heard it from the mouth of other ministers, and then again last Shangrila dialogue, narinig ko na naman ‘yan sa minister of defense nila (I also heard it from their minister of defense), so nothing new from what they are saying,” he stated.

“Sinasabi nila na we do not bully people around, they follow international law, but sabi ko (I told them) you are not. What you are telling is not what you are doing on the ground so siguro (maybe) until such time that their action is matched by the words, then doubtful yung mga sinasabi nila (what they’re saying is doubtful),” he added.

“Parang optics lang ‘yan or narrative lang siguro ‘yan para it’s good to be heard. Just to keep us siguro calm or palubag loob sa atin,” he noted.

The Philippines along with fellow Southeast Asian neighbors Brunei,Vietnam, Malaysia, and China have overlapping claims to the South China Sea. 

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Report from Manila Bulletin