Philippines won’t involve US in resolving dispute with China

MANILA, Philippines – The country won’t involve the United States in resolving its dispute with China over the rights to Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal, a Radyo Inquirer 990AM report said on Monday.

The report quoted deputy spokesperson Abigail Valte as saying that they were supportive of the Department of Foreign Affairs’ choice to resolve the issue through a diplomatic process between the two countries and left it to the said agency to act on suggestions of seeking assistance from members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean).

The Malacañang has earlier stated that there was no need for a third party or mediator to assist in solving the ongoing standoff between a Philippine Navy ship and Chinese surveillance and fishing vessels at the Panatag Shoal which the country considered to be within its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

For more of the report, listen to Radyo Inquirer 990AM.