The heated exchange between Manila and Beijing over China’s latest incursion in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) will not affect China’s provision of COVID-19 vaccines to the Philippines, according to President Rodrigo Duterte. In a statement read yesterday by his spokesperson Harry Roque, the President said the continued presence of Chinese vessels around Julian Felipe Reef would be resolved “through diplomatic channels and through peaceful means.” Whatever differences we have with China will not define our bilateral relations and will not be an obstacle to the overall positive trajectory of our bilateral friendly relations and our deepening cooperation in pandemic response, including vaccine cooperation, and in postpandemic economic recovery,” Mr. Duterte said, echoing Roque’s earlier remark that the President was confident the issue could be resolved because of the close friendship between the Philippines and China.

Salaverria, L. B., Gascon, M., & Ramos, M. (2021, April 7). Duterte: sea row won't hurt Sino vaccine supply. Philippine Daily Inquirer, pp. A1-A2.