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Locsin named Special Envoy to China for Special Concerns

Philippines | National

Locsin named Special Envoy to China for Special Concerns

By Joseph Pedrajas

Former Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) chief Teodoro Locsin Jr. has been appointed as the Special Envoy of the President to China for Special Concerns.

The Presidential Communications Office (PCO) made the announcement on Wednesday, August 16, which came at the heels of tensions between the Philippines and China over the West Philippine Sea.

Locsin, who served as DFA chief during the Duterte administration, will still serve as the Philippine Ambassador to the United Kingdom, his prior position, Press Secretary Cheloy Garafil said.

DFA has yet to issue information about the role that its former head would take.

Locsin is known for his no-nonsense remarks on various issues, which he is posting on X (formerly Twitter).

When the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) disclosed that it is no longer using its direct hotline with its Chinese counterpart in the context of the sea row, Locsin immediately expressed his sentiment on social media.

"What PCG-CCG hotline? I expressly banned that, and announced it on Twitter; fully knowing there could be mis-encounters. So what? Afraid to die?" part of his social media post read.

Locsin served as the country's top diplomat during the administration of former president Rodrigo Duterte.

The announcement of his appointment followed the the recent water cannon attack of the Chinese coast guard against Philippine personnel in the Ayungin Shoal, which the DFA said provided tension in Beijing's relation with Manila.

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