Lorenzana statement on Julian Felipe Reef perplexing –Chinese Embassy
Published April 3, 2021 8:24pm
The Chinese Embassy in Manila on Saturday called Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana's latest statement "perplexing" after he demanded anew for the immediate withdrawal of China's militia vessels surrounding a Philippine reef.
Defying Lorenzana's call, China maintained it had a historical claim over the feature, which is within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
"China is committed to safeguarding peace and stability in the waters and we hope that authorities concerned would make constructive efforts and avoid any unprofessional remarks which may further fan irrational emotions," the embassy said in a statement.