Jonathan de Santos
Sun Star Online
June 10, 2011

MANILA — Senator Francis Pangilinan on Friday called China’s warning against oil exploration in the disputed Spratly islands unnecessary since the Philippines is only seeking a peaceful resolution to the territorial dispute.

On Thursday, Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Liu Jianchao warned against exploration “in these areas where China has its claims.” He said China would assert its jurisdiction in the area against oil exploration operations done without approval from Beijing.

But Pangilinan said this was unnecessary “if indeed a peaceful resolution is what we all seek.”

The senator said the Philippines should not let itself be bullied by China’s “undiplomatic posturing.”

Last week, the Department of Foreign Affairs asked China to explain reports from the Armed Forces of the Philippines that Chinese vessels had been spotted at the Iroquois Reef-Amy Douglas Bank in the West Philippine Sea.

“They talk peace yet they do so with arrogance and high handedness,” Pangilinan said.

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