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Bloomberg
Philippine boxer-turned-presidential candidate Manny Pacquiao said he will form a “peace panel†that will negotiate with Beijing on the South China Sea dispute if elected to the top post, while also deepening defense ties with the US.
“Our goal is to be a friend to all nations,†Pacquiao said at a virtual forum. The senator said that while he’ll explore diplomatic channels to resolve the sea row, China “should not abuse and trample on†the Philippines’ rights.
The Southeast Asian nation has been locked in a dispute with China in South China Sea, a key global trade gateway and energy source. Candidates to succeed President Rodrigo Duterte have pitched different approaches to the issue, with Vice President Leni Robredo pushing a coalition to counter China’s militarisation, while frontrunner Ferdinand “Bongbong†Marcos is eyeing a deal with Beijing.
National elections will be held on May 9.