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China Invades Philippines

President Benigno S. Aquino III said he has instructed the Dept. of Foreign Affairs to ask China to clarify reports saying Chinese authorities will board ships that will enter its territorial waters in the disputed West Philippine Sea.

In an interview here during a Liberal Party meeting, the President said he told Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario to raise the issue with China to know whether the action is an official state policy.

"Kung mapatunayan na meron talagang ganoong kautusan, hindi proposal, at talagang gagawin nila... maglo-lodge tayo ng isang diplomatic note or formal protest. And it also tells us where to go to in terms of advancing our interest," the President said.

"We might accelerate and bring it before the appropriate international tribunal to finally settle the matter, or at least start the process of settling it legally and concretely," he added.

Asked if he'll consider appealing to China not to exacerbate the situation, the President said he made it clear during the 21st ASEAN Summit in Cambodia, particularly during the East Asia Summit, that countries must work together to ease the tensions in the West Philippine Sea, and that everyone must show goodwill.

But the President said he doesn't want to jump into conclusions, that's why he asked the DFA to clarify the issue with China first before the Philippines does an appropriate response.

"Hintayin natin ma-determine fully kung ano ba talaga ang kanilang bagong patakaran, kung meron man. At kung mapatunayan..., kikilos tayo nang kaalinsunod doon sa…kung may kilos silang ganyan. Kung wala naman ay hindi tayo magdadagdag ng tensiyon," the President said.

China's state media said Thursday police in Hainan will board and search ships that will enter into what China considers its territorial waters in the disputed West Philippine Sea.

The new rules come into effect on Jan 1 and will allow Hainan police to board and seize control of foreign ships said to be illegally entering Chinese waters.

China claims sovereignty over most, if not all of the West Philippine Sea that is believed to be rich in natural gas and mineral deposits.

Aside from these resources, the area is important because it serves as a major sea lane to world's trade and commerce.

The Philippines, Vietnam, Brunei, Taiwan and Malaysia all lay claims to the disputed territories.

The President also said the country may have a new ambassador to China by February to replace Sonia Brady who vacated the post a few months ago for health reasons.

He said that he will discuss the matter with Secretary Del Rosario Monday.

He said the Foreign Secretary had told him about a very capable candidate for the post.

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