Choice of Locsin as special envoy to China draws praise

F or more than half a century, Teddy Locsin has articulated our dreams, chronicled our battles, and moved the nation with prose that inspires. In his newest mission for the Republic, there is no doubt that he can effectively champion our interest,” Recto added.

The chair of the Senate defense committee, Sen. Jinggoy Estrada, remarked: “It’s an interesting move by the President, I must say, as it came on the heels of a series of disturbing incidents in the West Philippine Sea involving the China Coast Guard (CCG) and the Philippine Coast Guard.

Locsin Jr. “brings a wealth of experience, having previously served as the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) secretary and as the Philippine ambassador to the United Nations,” said Estrada.

“As an experienced diplomat and skilled communicator, his deep understanding of diplomatic protocol, international relations, and the nuances of various issues will enable him to engage with China on a wide range of concerns. Clear communication is crucial for building mutual understand - ing and finding common ground.” E strada praised Marcos for his decision, saying it proved his sincerity when he said he will respond to the territorial rows with China through diplomatic negotiations and affirming the country’s “friend to all and an enemy to none” foreign policy.

“ The success of Locsin’s role as a special envoy will depend on his ability to navigate the intricacies of international diplomacy, communicate effectively, and foster a productive atmosphere for a dialogue between the two countries. Observers will be keenly watching how he will handle the complexities of his role and whether this will lead to positive developments insofar as our country’s relations with China is concerned,” added Estrada.

M alacañang’s designation of the Philippine ambassador to the United Kingdom Teodoro Locsin Jr. was billed by another senator and a think tank analyst as “an impressive and interesting choice,” and one that hopefully would bolster the country’s efforts in engaging China amid fresh tensions over its aggression in the West Philippine Sea.

He is an adroit diplomat and skilled leader, unafraid to go to whatever lengths necessary for the best interest of the Filipinos,” said Sen. Grace Poe in a statement.

“ We hope he can help the country navigate through the rough waters of the West Philippine Sea to defend and protect what belongs to us,” she added.

A s imilar hope was expressed late Wednesday by Prof. Dindo Manhit of Stratbase in an interview with CNN Philippines’s Pia Hontiveros.

B oth Manhit and Hontiveros noted Locsin’s reputation in handling sticky situations with China when he was DFA secretary during the presidency of Rodrigo Duterte.

Manhit expressed confidence he would be good for negotiations moving forward amid China’s insistence that Manila make good on a supposed promise to remove the BRP Sierra Madre on Ayungin Shoal, within the Philippines’s EEZ.