ni Ronalyn Seminiano Reonico | May 4, 2021
Hindi pinalagpas ng China ang naging matapang na pahayag ni Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Teodoro Locsin, Jr. kamakailan laban sa naturang bansa dahil sa patuloy na presensiya ng mga Chinese vessels sa West Philippine Sea (WPS).
Pahayag ni Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin sa regular press briefing sa Beijing, "Facts have proven time and time again that megaphone diplomacy can only undermine mutual trust rather than change reality.
"We hope that [a] certain individual from the Philippine side will mind basic manners and act in ways that suit his status.”
Noong Lunes, matatandaang nag-tweet si Locin ng: “China, my friend, how politely can I put it? Let me see… O… GET THE F*** OUT. What are you doing to our friendship? You. Not us. We’re trying. You. You’re like an ugly oaf forcing your attentions on a handsome guy who wants to be a friend; not to father a Chinese province."
Ayon kay Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque, humingi ng paumanhin si Locsin sa Chinese ambassador, ngunit paglilinaw ng Foreign Affairs secretary, tanging kay China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi lamang siya nag-sorry.
Saad pa ni Locsin, “To my friend Wang Yi only. Nobody else.”
Nilinaw naman ni Wenbin na mananatili ang kanilang pagtulong sa Pilipinas sa kabila ng mga isyu sa WPS.
Saad pa ni Wenbin, "China has always been and will remain committed to properly handling differences and advancing cooperation with the Philippines through friendly consultation, and will continue to provide assistance within its capacity to the Philippines in its efforts to fight the epidemic and resume economic development.”