Clarita Carlos: “Yes, critical engagement with China would be the way to go”
CLARITA CARLOS — The incoming National Security Adviser (NSA) said that the Marcos administration is eyeing to pursue a “critical engagement” with China.
President-elect Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. named Carlos, a retired UP professor, as the next National Security Adviser. Carlos will replace Hermogenes Esperon Jr.
Her nomination to be the next National Security Adviser was announced on Wednesday. According to her, she accepted the offer because security, defense, and foreign policy are her areas of research and expertise.
On Thursday, Carlos said in an interview on GMA News’ Unang Balita that she and President-elect Marcos talked about the Philippines’ relationship with China during a meeting on Wednesday.
“You mentioned the magic word ‘critical,’ yan ang isa sa mga napag-usapan namin ni President Marcos kahapon,” she said. “Yes, critical engagement with China would be the way to go and President Marcos already noted it will still be enhanced on all levels.”
The President-elect had earlier lauded Carlos for her knowledge in international politics and foreign policy.
To recall, Carlos was one of the panelists at the SMNI presidential debate in March, the only debate Bongbong Marcos participated in during the election period.
READ ALSO: Clarita Carlos Appointed as Next National Security Adviser; Sandro Marcos Extends Congratulations
China’s Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian said last Tuesday that the differences with the Philippines regarding claims in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) can be managed with “bilateral consultation and friendly communication”.
“We are two neighbors who have some differences, but what is crucial is the way and manner we handle the differences,” Huang Xilian said. “We need to manage our differences with bilateral consultation and friendly communication.“
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