Esperon on Chinese envoy's remark: 'Defensive is a form of offensive'

National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr does not seem comforted by Chinese Ambassador Zhao Jianhua's statement that it is only maintaining a defensive position in the South China Sea.

Interviewed on Dobol B sa News TV on Thursday, Esperon, a former military chief of staff, said "defensive" can easily turn into "offensive" especially since Chinese ships are already in place in the disputed waters.

"Ang defensive ay isang porma ng offensive... madaling gawing offensive position lalo na kung naka-position na sila," Esperon said, referring to the over 110 Chinese vessels that were seen surrounding Pag-asa Island on July 25.

"Although fishing vessels 'yan, kung tao sa tao lang, kung 110 (ships) yan, kung lalagyan mo ng minimum ng 10 people eh 1,000 na agad. Tao sa tao lang may magagawa yan," he said.

Esperon added that he doubts those on board the Chinese fishing vessels were unarmed.

"Nakakabahala yung ganong positioning," he added.

Esperon, however, said the number of Chinese ships has dwindled to only three as of July 30.

Speaking during the celebration of the 92nd founding anniversary of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) earlier this week, Zhao said China is adopting "a military strategy of active defense" in the South China Sea.

"China adopts a military strategy of active defense which adheres to the principle of defense, self-defense and post-strike response… meaning, we will not take the first shot," he said.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said he finds Zhao's remark as "very comforting." —KBK, GMA News