Manila naive to demand damages

It is ludicrous of the Philippine military chief to repeatedly demand that China pay damages for and return the rifles seized during a confrontation between Chinese and Philippine personnel in the South China Sea in June.

Manila's intention behind such a demand is to give the world the impression that China is bullying the Philippines. But the fact is that the Philippine Navy has taken repeated provocative actions in the South China Sea, leading to clashes.

The China Coast Guard has been warning Philippine vessels not to make provocative moves or venture into the waters around China's islands every time the Philippines sends its vessels to the disputed waters. Beijing has reiterated time again that maritime disputes in the South China Sea be resolved through talks, but its calls have fallen on Manila's deaf ears.