PH needs special envoy in China – Yasay

U.S. Navy/Handout via Reuters/File Photo

]Manila, Philippines - Foreign Secretary Perfecto Yasay Jr. is eyeing a special envoy in Beijing amid the ongoing maritime dispute between the Philippines and China.

The newly-minted chief diplomat said the special envoy will have a different function from that of the ambassador.

“There is a need for special envoy to probably help us assist, maybe in reaching out on the back-channel basis in trying to resolve these disputes,” he said in an interview on ANC.

Note that Philippine Ambassador Erlinda Basilio, 71, is currently recuperating from throat problems.  She underwent a tracheotomy – an opening surgically created through the neck into the trachea (windpipe) to allow direct access to the breathing tube.

This means that the Philippines does not have a functioning ambassador in Beijing in the wake of rising regional tensions as the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague is set to issue its ruling on the arbitration case on July 12.

Basilio’s deputy, Minister Counsellor Elizabeth Te, has been in charge of the Philippines’ embassy in Beijing in the absence of the ambassador.

Yasay said President Rodrigo Duterte wants better relations with China, among other nations.

“It is my understanding that the President would like to maintain stronger, better relationships with everybody, including China, including the United States, including Japan and all. The Constitution mandates amity, close friendships with all nations and this is what we should pursue,” he sai        

 

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