Philippine media terms Aquino's recent remarks on South China Sea disputes as ignorant, stupid

The Philippine newspaper "The Daily Tribune" on Wednesday published a commentary, terming President Benigno Aquino III's recent remarks on the South China Sea disputes as ignorant and stupid.

In a speech during his Japan tour last week, Aquino compared China to Nazi Germany with regard to the territorial disputes in the South China Sea and called on the United States to play a role in stopping what he called China's rising might.

The commentary said the comparison is "absurd and bears no scrutiny."

"It not only exposed his (Aquino) 'amateurish' ignorance but also the malice behind the ongoing Philippine, Japanese, and U.S. governments' dance macabre over the fires of history," the commentary said.

"Nothing in all the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity," the newspaper quoted late U.S. civil rights activist Martin Luther King as saying.

"The ignorance and stupidity in serving the global hegemonist's designs on Asia will bring the Philippines to perdition...," the paper added.

The Manila Times, a leading daily in the Philippines, said last Thursday that by announcing the inclusion of the disputed territories issue in his Japan visit agenda, Aquino is again stirring the pot.

It said "the apparent agitation seems unnecessary and it is unclear what national interest it hopes to serve."

China has dismissed Aquino's remarks on the South China Sea disputes, warning the Philippines to give up its illusions, stop such provocations and return to the track of negotiation and consultation. Endi