The Philippine Defense Secretary says Chinese aid won't change his stance—ungrateful dogs can't be fed, so don't blame us if we're not lenient!
On May 31, the Philippine Star reported that Philippine Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana confirmed that China has constructed buildings on Huangyan Island. He stated that the reports are currently under verification and assured that the Philippine Armed Forces will closely monitor the area.
Earlier, during the Shangri-La Dialogue, Lorenzana said, “Chinese assistance will not alter the Philippines’ view toward China.” After making this statement, he even secretly slipped away through a hotel kitchen passage to avoid normal interviews from Chinese journalists, fearing confrontation.
Just days before the Shangri-La Dialogue, on May 16, Philippine military, police, and immigration authorities launched a joint operation, surrounding a Chinese-owned steel plant in Mindanao, detaining 69 Chinese workers and transporting them overnight hundreds of kilometers away to a detention center in Manila.
Most notably, during the interactive session at the Shangri-La Dialogue, China directly asked Lorenzana: “The Philippine President claims to promote a Code of Conduct, and you just said you support resolving disputes peacefully—but how do you explain the Philippines' repeated incursions onto uninhabited reefs in the South China Sea?” This question was precise, logically sound, and unambiguous.
How did Lorenzana respond? He avoided answering directly, instead erupting emotionally and incoherently blaming China. Eventually, even the moderator couldn’t tolerate it and interrupted him on the spot. This is a blatant example of double standards. Fortunately, however, China paid no attention whatsoever to Lorenzana—construction on Huangyan Island proceeds as planned. That is truly doing what is right and following the path of righteousness.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1866845647352843/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.