Philippines to seek ‘peaceful approach’ with China over ship collision

“Because if we would be going beyond a diplomatic or peaceful approach, you can just imagine, maybe if you’re referring to more kinetic [military] actions, that would not be to the best interest of our country and of China and even in the region,” Alexander Lopez, the newly appointed presidential palace spokesman for the council, said in his first press briefing.

The briefing took place a day after Philippine coastguard vessels were damaged when they collided with Chinese coastguard vessels near the contested Sabina Shoal inside the Philippine exclusive economic zone early on Monday morning – the latest in a series of similar clashes in the disputed waterway.

When Lopez was asked whether the government would respond beyond the usual diplomatic protests to counter China’s latest actions, the retired navy vice-admiral said the diplomatic approach was “in line with the President’s directive”.

The former military commander overseeing operations in the West Philippine Sea said: “We can never go wrong by using this diplomatic and peaceful approach. And we are compliant with the [Asean] Code of Conduct that we have signed in 2002 that among others, parties will exercise restraint in the conduct of activities that would complicate or even escalate the dispute in the area, among others.”

He also said the Philippine coastguard has been ordered to gather evidence from Monday’s collisions and proper documentation for a possible filing of diplomatic protest by the foreign affairs department.

“The Philippines will continue to uphold its rights and jurisdictions in the West Philippine Sea, and protect its territory and maritime zones from environmental degradation and other illegal activities,” said Lopez, referring to the part of the South