Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Miriam: PNoy correct for not saying sorry to Taiwan

MANILA, Philippines - Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago on Tuesday defended the Philippine government's decision not to issue any apology to Taiwan, saying the country is bound by its “one-China” policy.

Santiago, an expert in international relations, told reporters that issuing an apology to Taipei over the deportation of its citizens to China will put in the Philippines in one diplomatic problem after another.

"Once we do that, China will demand an explanation from us, and then we'll lurch from one crisis to another in diplomatic relations," she said.

The senator said the Philippines is just being consistent with its commitment to China of not recognizing Taiwan as a separate nation.

"We are only pursuing our duties under international law. On that matter, we do not make a clear decision on who is right. We are simply being consistent with a policy we have announced long ago," Santiago explained.

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