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South China Sea: Manny Pacquiao to form peace panel to resolve row with Beijing if elected Philippine president
- The boxer-turned-presidential candidate sought to deepen ties with the US and said China ‘should not abuse and trample on’ the Philippines’ rights
- Pacquiao also said he will ‘continue the war on illegal drugs in the right way’, with suspects given a fair trial
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Philippine boxer-turned-presidential candidate Manny Pacquiao said he will form a “peace panel” that will negotiate with Beijing on the South China Sea dispute if elected to the top post, while also deepening defence ties with the US.
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“Our goal is to be a friend to all nations,” Pacquiao said at a virtual forum organised by the foreign correspondents association. The senator said that while he’ll explore diplomatic channels to resolve the sea row, China “should not abuse and trample on” the Philippines’ rights.
The Southeast Asian nation has been locked in a dispute with Beijing in South China Sea, a key global trade gateway and energy source.
Candidates to succeed President Rodrigo Duterte have pitched different approaches to the issue, with Vice-President Leni Robredo pushing a coalition to counter China’s militarisation, while front runner Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos is eyeing a deal with Beijing. National elections will be held on May 9.
Pacquiao also said at the forum that he plans to further lower personal income and corporate tax rates, while improving revenue collection by fighting corruption.
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