Around 220 Chinese militia vessels were spotted moored at Julian Felipe Reef in the West Philippine Sea last March 7, 2021. (NTF WPS)
MANILA, Philippines — Senator Imee Marcos on Friday urged President Rodrigo Duterte to appoint a special envoy to China, preferably a member of his family, to discuss the continued presence of Chinese militia in the Philippine waters.
This is a “very Asian strategy” that will lend a “personal touch” to the bilateral talks and ensure frank discussion of developments with the President.
“Preferably, a member of the Duterte family like Mayor Sara,” Marcos said in a statement.
She also recommended a “verbal ceasefire” as another immediate measure “to set the ground for sense rather than spite to prevail.”
“Diplomatic protests are certainly in order, but constant confrontation delays consensus and is really not the Asian way of solving disagreements,” Marcos said.
Marcos cited bilateral and multi-state negotiations that the government can “take to the next level,” from joint treaties on fishing, exploration, crime-fighting and coastal management in disputed maritime areas, to completing the joint South China Sea Code of Conduct among ASEAN states and China.
She said Malaysia and Vietnam are “showing the way” as they finalize a memorandum of understanding on security and use of maritime areas under dispute.
Duterte government’s policy of pursuing shared interests should be expanded, Marcos said, citing the successful establishment of a joint naval anti-terrorism force with Malaysia and Indonesia, following the Marawi Siege.
“Besides agreements between member states, the whole ASEAN must also propel a joint Code of Conduct with China to its completion. It’s been almost 20 years since it was proposed and only general terms have so far been agreed. Let’s finish it ASAP!” Marcos added.
“The emphasis of foreign policy is to pursue shared goals rather than just unilateral interests, if harmony is to be achieved,” she said.
The last special envoy to China was broadcaster and columnist Ramon “Mon” Tulfo. Duterte appointed him to the post in October 2018 for six months.
In 2019, Tulfo was reappointed for another six months. His term lapsed last year.