India supporting PH in West PH Sea dispute with China—Tolentino
The Philippines has found another ally.
Senator Francis Tolentino said the government of India has expressed its support to the Philippines in its continuing dispute with China on the West Philippine Sea.
However, their support has yet to reach a level of intention where they would be willing to have a joint patrol with the Philippines.
“Another big country has agreed to join us and sided with us in what we’re fighting for,” Tolentino said in a press briefing on Thursday, August 24 at the Senate.
“It has not reached the level of intention where they will have a joint patrol but they’re siding with us because they believe that what we are doing is right. The name of the country is India,” he said.
The senator said the India government has said “they’re with us in our international diplomatic efforts” to resolve the conflict.
Though he did not disclose how he got the information, Tolentino said India can help the Philippines in addressing the country’s rice supply woes.
“Remember, India is the country where we lean heavily in importing rice,” he pointed out.
“They wanted to help us in the WPS situation, so maybe they can also help us with rice imports,” he added.