PHL awaits Trump’s policy on South China Sea dispute

Malacañang on Thursday asked stakeholders to avoid actions that would threaten freedom of navigation in the South China Sea.

Presidential Communications Office head Secretary Martin Andanar made the remark after Rex Tillerson, United States President-elect Donald Trump's nominee for secretary of state, said that China should have no access to the disputed waters.

"The remarks of Mr. Rex Tillerson during his confirmation hearing before the United States Senate Foreign Relations Committee reflect his personal beliefs and should be respected," Andanar said.

"The reasonable response is to wait and see what the new administration’s policy pronouncements will be," he added.

"What is important is for both sides to remain committed to peace and stability in this part of the world and to refrain from any and all acts that would jeopardize freedom of navigation and overflights along this vital sea lane," Andanar said.

Tillerson on Wednesday said China should be denied access to islands it had built in the contested South China Sea.

In comments expected to enrage Beijing, Tillerson told his confirmation hearing before the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee that China's building of islands and putting military assets on those islands was "akin to Russia's taking Crimea" from Ukraine.

Asked whether he supported a more aggressive posture toward China, he said: "We're going to have to send China a clear signal that, first, the island-building stops and, second, your access to those islands also is not going to be allowed." —NB, GMA News