Zubiri: Congress to push diplomacy, ’non-combative’ talks on South China Sea

The Philippine Congress has come up with a consensus to discuss pressing topics in a "non-combative and diplomatic" way, particularly issues relating to the South China Sea, Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri said Thursday. 

Zubiri made the remarks on the sidelines of this year's Asia-Pacific Parliamentary Forum, which is also being attended by parliamentarians from China. 

The Senate President confirmed that the situation in the West Philippine Sea, including China's assertiveness in the area, will form part of the topics to be tackled by legislators from the Asia-Pacific region.

China claims almost the entire SCS, but Brunei, the Philippines, Vietnam, Taiwan and Malaysia has overlapping claims to parts of the waters. 

The Philippines has been subjected to China's repeated aggression in the WPS, through the blocking, harassment and dangerous maneuvers of Chinese vessels against Philippine boats and vessels on maritime missions in the area.

Amid these incidents, Zubiri stressed the need for the Philippines to exert diplomacy when discussing WPS issues with China during the forum.

"We have to show them diplomacy. As a host, we have to always set a welcoming attitude to all of our guests," said Zubiri.

The APPF31, which will run until 25 November, is being attended by 275 parliamentary members from Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Canada, Chile, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Mexico, Micronesia, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Russian Federation, Thailand, Vietnam and the Philippines. 

The delegates will meet with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in Malacañang this Thursday evening.