The Philippines and China appeared to have found a common ground in taking issue against the commander of the United States air forces in the Pacific, who over the past few days, had criticized both Beijing and Manila on matters related to the territorial disputes in the South China Sea.

Malacañang shrugged off a statement made by US General Herbert Carlisle, who said that President Benigno Aquino III’s comments on overlapping territorial claims with China were “not helpful” in resolving the maritime dispute.

“It is understandable for a military commander to adopt a viewpoint that is different from a head of state’s perspective,” Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Sonny Coloma said.

“He (US Gen. Herbert Carlisle) can say what he likes but the President has the national interest in mind. The President needs to say what he needs to say at the right time,” Coloma added.

Beijing, however, took a more combative stance, as it slammed Carlisle for his “irresponsible remarks” after the US general warned that it would be provocative if Beijing declared an air defense zone over the South China Sea.

Read more: http://manilastandardtoday.com/2014/02/12/ph-china-twit-us-general-for-views/