Military backs joint exploration of EEZ with China

Malacañang said that the military is supporting the proposed joint exploration with China in the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque made the statement after Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano said President Duterte approved the creation of a working group for the joint oil exploration.

Roque said Cayetano briefed the military about the possible joint exploration during the last command conference this week.

“Nagkaroon lang naman ng restatement of policy hindi naman po talaga bagong policy. In-explain lang sa ating men in uniform ni Secretary Cayetano kung ano 'yung current policy (It was just a restatement of policy. Secretary Cayetano explained to our men in uniform our current policy),” he said.

Roque said that the men in uniform support the joint oil exploration as long as the country will not give up a single inch of Philippine territory.

“Eh lahat naman po supportive. Basta malinaw po na wala tayong pinamimigay na teritoryo (Everyone is supportive as long as we are clear that we will not forfeit a piece of our territory). We are working with the realities of modern day life, we're working with the realities of geopolitics, but we're promoting the national interest, first and foremost,” he added.

According to Roque, Duterte reiterated that he is open to a joint exploration because it is legal, and it is pursuant to national interest.

“But he will not give up even an inch of Philippine territory. ’Yun po ang posisyon (That is the stand),” Roque said.

The Palace official also added that the agreement on the joint exploration may be signed before Chinese President Xi Jinping visits the country before the year ends.