Once had a tough attitude towards China, former Philippine Foreign Minister Lochin will serve as the Special Envoy for Chinese Affairs at the Presidential Office | Philippines | China
On August 16th local time, the Philippine Presidential Office announced that former Foreign Minister Lochin will serve as the Special Envoy for Chinese Affairs.
According to Singapore's Lianhe Zaobao on the 16th, the Philippine President's Communication Office announced on Facebook on August 16th that Lochin would be the "special envoy of the President to China", but did not provide any other details. The Philippine Ministry of Foreign Affairs declined to comment on this matter.
Philippine Minister of Information, Galafel, told the media on the 16th that Lochin will "hold multiple positions", which means that Lochin will continue to retain his current position as ambassador to the UK and Ireland.
Luoqin was the Foreign Minister during the reign of former Philippine President Duterte. During his tenure, he had a strong attitude towards China and repeatedly criticized China.But after being refuted by the Chinese side, Luo Qin quickly changed his attitude and apologized to the Chinese side.
At that time, Philippine President Duterte criticized Rochin without naming him on a television program. He said, "China is still our benefactor. Just because there is a conflict between us and China, it does not mean that we must become impolite or disrespectful to others." The Philippine Presidential Office later emphasized that cabinet members should not use foul language.
Recently, China Philippines relations have become increasingly tense due to disputes over islands and reefs in the South China Sea. In early August, several Philippine senators also proposed that the government appoint former Philippine President Duterte, who was pro China, as a special envoy to help the two countries rebuild relations, but the Presidential Office ultimately appointed Lochin.
On August 5th this year, despite repeated dissuasions and warnings from the Chinese side, the Philippines insisted on sending two ships to illegally enter the waters of Ren'ai Reef, violating the Declaration of Conduct of All Parties in the South China Sea and attempting to transport construction materials for repair and reinforcement to illegal "sitting on the beach" warships. Chinese coast guard ships were lawfully intercepted and warning enforcement measures were taken. In cases where multiple warnings were ineffective, water cannons were used to implement warnings in order to avoid direct interception and collision.
Regarding the Philippines hyping up the South China Sea issue, the Chinese Embassy in the Philippines has previously pointed out that China's position on the South China Sea arbitration case is consistent, clear, and firm. The South China Sea arbitration case claims that the award seriously violates international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, and is illegal and invalid. The Chinese side does not accept or recognize this ruling, and does not accept any claims or actions based on this ruling. China's sovereignty and rights in the South China Sea have been formed through long-term historical practice, with sufficient historical and legal basis, and are not affected by illegal arbitration awards under any circumstances.
