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US-CHINA ROW OFF PANATAG

We don't want to be part of their intramural —Palace


Malacañang on Sunday said it would not intervene in the recent row between China and the United States, stemming from Beijing's claim that a US Navy destroyer supposedly violated its sovereignty over Huangyan Island (or Panatag Shoal) in the West Philippine Sea.

"We do not wish to be part of a US-China intramural. The United States can take care of its own interest," Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said in a statement.

"The Philippines’ claim over Scarborough Shoal [Panatag Shoal] is recognized under our constitutional law and international law," Roque added.

China, on Saturday said USS Hopper missile destroyer sailed within 12 nautical miles of what it called Huangyan Island, which is known as the Scarborough or Panatag Shoal.

Two US officials already confirmed this recent activity.  But, they pointed out that the patrol was in line with international law and was an "innocent passage."

China then vowed to take "necessary measures" to protect its sovereignty, noting that the "repeated dispatch of US warships to the region has undermined regional peace and stability and has hurt bilateral relations." —Anna Felicia Bajo/LBG, GMA News

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