Philippine President Again Warns China on Maritime Claims

Posted July 25th, 2011 at 1:25 pm (UTC-5)
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Philippine President Benigno Aquino has again warned that his country is ready to defend its claims to disputed territory in the South China Sea.

Speaking Monday in a national address, Mr. Aquino said his government is ready to acquire more weapons and to press its claims to territory in the Spratly Islands chain to a United Nations' tribunal. His remarks were seen as aimed at China, though he did not mention that country in his address.

Beijing claims sovereignty over the Spratlys and their surrounding waters. But the Philippines and Vietnam, as well as several other countries, hold competing claims in the potentially mineral-rich region and several recent confrontations involving Chinese patrol boats have sparked international concerns.

The Philippine president, who took office last year, also used his address to announce appointment of a new anti-graft prosecutor, as he presses forward with plans to root out corruption widely seen in recent years as endemic in the Manila government.

Mr. Aquino has come under criticism from opponents who say his anti-corruption campaign is being used to cover a lack of progress in other areas, primarily in implementing anti-poverty initiatives.

But the president has countered that eradicating corruption in government and society is key to freeing up funds to carry out any effective anti-poverty push.