Philippines Downplays Request for U.S. Surveillance Drones

04 July 2012 Pacific Sentinel

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines on July 3 said the deployment of U.S. spy planes, suggested by President Benigno Aquino, was just one option to monitor the country’s territory, as China appealed for stability in the region.

“If they happen at all, they are surveillance flights, they are not meant to be provocative. There’s no offensive capability here,” said Ricky Carandang, the president’s spokesman.

China’s foreign ministry, in an embassy statement quoting spokesman Liu Weimin, called on all parties to maintain “peace and stability” in the South China Sea.

“We have noticed the reports,” the spokesman said. “It is the hope of the Chinese side that peace and stability can be maintained ... and parties concerned do things conducive to regional peace and stability.”

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