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[av_heading heading=’‘PH unaware of US warship’s passage at Scarborough’’ tag=’h3′ style=’blockquote modern-quote’ size=” subheading_active=’subheading_below’ subheading_size=’15’ padding=’10’ color=” custom_font=” av-medium-font-size-title=” av-small-font-size-title=” av-mini-font-size-title=” av-medium-font-size=” av-small-font-size=” av-mini-font-size=” admin_preview_bg=”][/av_heading]
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January 22, 2018
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MANILA – The Philippines was not aware of any United States naval activity at the South China Sea, Defense secretary Delfin Lorenzana said.
China cried foul after the guided missile destroyer USS Hopper came within 12 miles of Huangyan Island – also known as the Scarborough Shoal – Wednesday night last week.
Lorenzana shrugged it off, saying the incident was not a cause for concern.
The Philippines and China have staked claim on the contested string of reefs.
Beijing dispatched a warship to drive away the US missile destroyer, which, according to its foreign ministry, “violated” the sovereignty by sailing close to the shoal without notice.
“Wala naman tayong say sa anumang gagawin ng Amerikano sa South China Sea,” Lorenzana said when sought for comment. “They do not inform us of their activities there beforehand.”
The Philippine Defense secretary said the passage of the US warship was not a cause of concern.
“No, for as long as they are on innocent passage,” said Lorenzana. “International law allows innocent passage even in territorial waters.” (PNA)
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