We do not have force to challenge China — Enrile

Former Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile.

MANILA, Philippines — Former Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile urged the government to strive for diplomacy in dealing with China as the country “does not have any force to challenge China.”

During his three-day visit to the Bicol region, Enrile was asked about the plight of local fishermen in Palawan who were allegedly being driven away by Chinese vessels in the vicinity of Pag-asa Island.

Enrile said the government must first study reports regarding the issue and act based on diplomacy.

READ: Chinese boats deny Filipino fishermen access to sandbars

“Once these reports are officially verified, we must resolve the issue through diplomacy,” Enrile said.

“We have to deal with China this way because we do not have any force to challenge China,” he added.

The former senator, who served as Minister of Defense under the Marcos administration, also expressed hopes that the close relationship between the two countries could be maintained.

Enrile, however, underscored the need to resolve the issue as the continuous intervention of Chinese vessels in the fishing grounds “will deplete the supply in the areas.”

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) earlier said the presence of the Chinese vessels near Pag-asa Island is “a clear violation of Philippine sovereignty,” as the island is a part of Kalayaan Island Group (KIG).

“The presence of Chinese vessels within the KIG, whether military, fishing or other vessels, will thus continue to be the subject of appropriate action by the Philippines,” the DFA said. /ee

READ: DFA: Presence of Chinese vessels near Pag-asa Island ‘clear violation of PH sovereignty’