China has reassured that they are not targeting the Philippines or any other country in the implementation of their new Coast Guard law, Philippine Ambassador to Beijing Chito Sta. Romana said on Tuesday. This comes after the Philippines filed a diplomatic note against China last month over the passage of a law that allows the Chinese coast guard to fire on foreign vessels. “The Chinese have tried to reassure that they will exercise restraint. This is what we are calling for, that all claimant countries resort to diplomacy and avoid the use of force,” Sta. Romana said in a press briefing.

Mabasa, R. C. (2021, February 18). Chinese Coast Guard Law not targeting PH - envoy. Manila Bulletin, p. 2.