The Philippines should not provoke China

Philippines' President Benigno Aquino deliver a statement during a national address at the presidential palace in Manila February 6, 2015. [Photo/Agencies]

The Philippines broadcast a documentary on Friday on its territorial disputes in the South China Sea that tried to rally public sentiment against China. On the same day, the Philippines representative at the Conference on State Parties to the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, without naming China directly, blamed it for the disputes. Comments:

Philippine President Benigno Aquino recently upped the ante in his country's territorial disputes with China because a general election will be held next year. According to the law, he cannot stand for re-election, but Aquino hopes his successor can continue his anti-China policies for his own political security.

Yang Tianmu, a Xinhua journalist in the Philippines, June 13

China is resolved to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity. Whatever words you utter and wherever you utter them, your evil plan won't succeed. The most effective solution to the maritime disputes lies in direct negotiations between the disputing parties.

Wang Min, head of Chinese delegation to the conference on UNCLOS, June 12

Is the Philippines hoping for a war between China and United States over the disputed territories? We hope not, because when giants collide, little players like the Philippines risk being squashed. Instability in the Asia-Pacific would threaten economic development in the entire region, including the Philippines.

We support the Philippine claims against any foreign power. But we also believe that the disputed territories issue should not define our relations with China. We have more to gain from befriending China than by antagonizing it.

Manila Times, June 4