MANILA, Philippines - The Philippines will not lose even a “single inch” of territory to China if ever it proceeds with its joint exploration deal with the Asian giant, which is claiming almost the entire South China Sea. Cayetano said China has been consistent in its position on joint exploration since 1986 and that it is the Philippines which has been vacillating. Wang called joint development “full of political wisdom” that could be applied in the South China Sea. The South China Sea will be on the agenda as Cayetano meets his ASEAN counterparts in Manila next week. He said it was not always the case of the Philippines against China with the US on Manila’s side.

Source: Philippine Star July 26, 2017 16:30 UTC