GMA Brandtalk
Tracking
Archives
Esperon: Challenges on aircraft could lead to sending of note verbale 'if bad enough'
National Security Adviser Sec. Hermogenes Esperon on Friday said a challenge to a Philippine aircraft by another country could be a basis for the sending of a note verbale or a diplomatic note.
"We mind and we respond appropriately. We have our challenges and answers, protocols. If it is bad enough, then that could be the basis for some note verbales," Esperon said.
After touring Russian guided missile cruiser Varyag with President Rodrigo Duterte, Esperon told reporters that the government took China's move seriously. However, he echoed Lorenzana's explanation that challenges are normal in disputed areas.
"That normally happens when you get to an area where there are overlaps of territory. There will be challenges," he said, adding that a challenge "is something that is not really positive."
"But a challenge could be just to identify yourself. But it could also mean that you’re challenging because you think that’s your territory," he added.
Duterte earlier said he would raise the Philippine flag in Pag-Asa Island during Independence Day, but he retracted after China warned him against it.
While the Philippines and China have warmed up bilateral relations since Duterte visited Beijing in October, both are yet to tackle the South China Sea dispute. Duterte said he would raise The Hague ruling that invalidated China's nine-dash line claim in South China Sea during his term.
He is set to go back to Beijing in May to attend the Belt and Road forum upon Chinese President Xi Jinping's invitation.
Moreover, the Philippines and China are also planning to set a bilateral mechanism on South China Sea. The ASEAN and China have been working to finish the framework on the code of conduct on the South China Sea within the term of the Philippines' chairmanship. —KBK, GMA News
