Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said on government radio the Philippines also wants a peaceful solution to any dispute.
“Maganda naman ang statement. Lahat tayo, kapayapaan ang gusto natin. Kahit nagkakaroon ng ganitong sigalot may paraan … (para) mapayapa pa rin ang ating paguusap,” she said on state-run dzRB radio.
The Philippines and China are disputing parts of the South China Sea, with the Philippines referring to the portions it claims as the West Philippine Sea.
On Saturday, a report in the Manila Bulletin quoted Chinese ambassador to Manila Zhao Jianhua as saying it is not in China’s interest to go to war with its neighbors.
Zhao said this in an interview in Taguig City on Thursday night during a reception celebrating Queen Elizabeth II’s birthday, the Manila Bulletin report said.
The Bulletin added this was the first time Zhao spoke publicly about the territorial dispute.
“(O)nce there is a conflict, no matter the scale, there will be a disruption of investment and disruption of trade … One of the fundamental reasons China has been able to achieve so much is stability and peace in the region,” Zhao was quoted as saying.
He added China is “busy enough” addressing other concerns and providing services for its citizens.
He also said diplomacy remains the “settled and sound way of settling disputes.”
“I would like to say diplomacy never fails… There are ups and downs, twists and turns, but sooner or later, people will realize diplomacy continues,” he said. — Joel Locsin /LBG, GMA News
