China’s Change Of Heart On West Philippine Sea: Agrees To Reduce Its Nine-Dash Line

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China’s original nine-dash line, left, and proposed four-dash line, right

BEIJING, China (The Adobo Chronicles, Manila Bureau) – After initially proclaiming that it will not recognize the recent ruling by the Permanent Arbitration Court which favored the Philippines’ territorial claim over disputed islands in the West Philippine Sea, China says it is now willing to sit down at the negotiation table with the Philippines.

In an exclusive interview with The Adobo Chronicles, China’s foreign minister said that in the spirit of peace and stability in the region, and in the interest of neighborly love, his country is now willing the reduce its nine-dash line to a four-dash line that would give the Philippines full access and jurisdiction over some of the disputed islands.

When asked for comment, Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs Perfecto Yasay, Jr. said that he will need to closely study the Chinese proposal and make appropriate recommendations to his boss, President Rod Duterte.

Earlier, Yasay was criticized by the media and netizens for “looking gloomy” during a press conference immediately following the announcement of the arbitration court’s ruling.

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China To Start Building Artificial Island Near The Hague

imageTHE HAGUE, Netherlands (The Adobo Chronicles, Los Angeles Bureau/ Eboy Soledad, iReporter) – Beijing today announced its plan to move forward in building a man-made island near the Hague, in the vicinity of South Holland, by the coast of the North Sea.

The announcement came just hours after the Permanent Court of Arbitration ruled in favor of the Philippines, involving a case that challenged China’s territorial claim over islands in the South China Sea, also known as West Philippine Sea.

According to their official statement in the government website: “China does not recognize the recently-concluded ruling by the United Nations-backed court.”

Political analysts believe that China’s latest move is in retaliation against the court ruling and is in keeping with its expansionist policy not only in Asia but around the world.

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Manny Pacquiao Not Happy As A Senator, Will Return To Boxing

imageMANILA, Philippines (The Adobo Chronicles, Manila Bureau) – Newly-installed Philippine Senator Manny Pacquiao regrets having been elected by 16 million Filipinos and wants to return to his boxing career as early as this fall.

The Philippines Daily Inquirer is reporting that Top Rank CEO Bob Arum told Boxingscene.com that Pacquiao is looking for another opponent for a possible return fight and is working with Senate President Franklin Drilon to figure out how to go on a leave of absence to train.

The champion boxer and former top absentee congressman  was originally slated to fight Adrien Broner but the American asked for a price Arum can’t afford.

Top Rank has made a pencil reservation for October 15 at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas for Pacquiao’s possible return.

The Adobo Chronicles caught up with Pacquiao while he was jogging around the Elliptical Circle in Quezon City and asked him what his longer term plans were.

The senator said that because he was elected by the people, it would not be kosher for him to voluntarily step down. “I’m meeting with Senator (and former Aquino administration Justice Secretary) Leila de Lima who promised to help by initiating impeachment proceedings against me. Until such time, I will have to be absent from my senate duties to train and prepare for my next fight,” Pacquiao said.

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