Flag of China (Unsplash)

China cannot dictate on the Philippines.

But the same is true with the United States (US), Senator Ronald ‘’Bato’’ dela Rosa said on Monday, April 10.

And the Philippines should only be concerned when Chinese bullets reach Philippine territory, added Dela Rosa.

The former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief made this assessment as China continues simulated attacks on Taiwan, a small country allied with the US.

China had earlier  voiced its concern on the four additional PH-US Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) sites in the Philippines.

The chairman of the Senate Public Order and Dangerous Drugs Committee also said China should not stop the Philippines from conducting its military exercises with US troops under the Balikatan program.

Earlier, President Ferdinand ‘’Bongbong’’ Marcos Jr, said there was no need to worry if no one is attacking.

Marcos downplayed China’s qualms over the additional sites under the EDCA by telling reporters that there’s no need to “worry” as long as no offensive attack takes place.

Dela Rosa emphasized that the President of the Philippines is the architect of Philippine foreign policy.

‘’Sinundan lang natin yung commitment natin as United States (We have to honor our commitment with rhe United States), yung  pag implement ng EDCA (the implementation of EDCA). We have to honor our commitment,’’ he stressed.

‘’Hindi nila mayo puwedeng diktahan (China cannot dictate on us), Same is with the United States, we are just honoring our commitment,’’ he stressed during an interview with Senate reporters via Zoom.

Asked if the AFP should be monitoring China’s simulated attacks on Taiwan, Dela Rosa replied: ‘’Yes, nag momonitor tayo (Yes, we are monitoring). Sila rin nag momonitor sa atin (They too are monitoring us).