Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 21) — There is no need to file diplomatic protests against countries with no active conflict with the Philippines over the South China Sea, the Foreign Affairs secretary said.
Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro “Teddy Boy” Locsin Jr. told lawmakers in a House budget hearing on Monday that he sees no reason for the country to file a diplomatic protest against Vietnam, Taiwan, and Malaysia for having occupying maritime features in the South China Sea.
On Monday, Locsin was asked by Deputy Speaker Luis Raymond “LRay” Villafuerte if the secretary has plans on filing a diplomatic protest against the aforementioned countries, just like what the department did with China.
“I don’t think we have active conflicts with Malaysia, Vietnam, and Taiwan. So, there’s no need for diplomatic protest,” Locsin said.
The Department of Foreign Affairs confirmed that the aforementioned countries occupy maritime features within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone.