Metro Manila, Philippines – Lawmakers want to bring the issue of China’s harassment to international bodies and courts.
This comes after a Chinese ship rammed the BRP Teresa Magbanua in Escoda Shoal, which is within the Philippine exclusive economic zone, three times on Aug. 31.
https://www.newswatchplus.ph/news/2024/8/31/brp-teresa-magbanua-ccg-collision-escoda-shoal.html
Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada said China has “repeatedly endangered the lives” of the Philippine Coast Guard and disregards international maritime laws and sovereign rights.
“We have all the reasons and enough evidence to bring the repeated and unprovoked dangerous actions of the Chinese Coast Guard before international courts,” Estrada said in a statement on Sunday, Sept. 1.
“Our government has sufficient basis to take immediate and decisive legal action to hold China accountable for its increasingly aggressive actions,” he added.
House Speaker Martin Romualdez also blasted China’s action, noting that it is the fifth of its kind in August alone.
He said “stronger” measures should be considered.
“We should enhance our presence in the West Philippine Sea, reinforce our alliances, and ensure that our capabilities are sufficient to protect our sovereign rights,” Romualdez said in a separate statement.
“I urge the Department of Foreign Affairs to bring this matter to the attention of the highest levels of international diplomacy. The global community, including the United Nations, should be made aware of these concerning actions,” he continued.
The speaker called on Filipinos to unite in defending the country.
Other nations, including the United States, Japan, and Australia, stood with the Philippines.
China has been claiming the entire South China Sea, which encroaches in the West Philippine Sea. A 2016 arbitral ruling, however, invalidated China’s expansive claims.
THREAD: The United States condemns China's multiple violations of international law following the "intentional ramming" of BRP Teresa Magbanua at Escoda Shoal.
"We stand with the Philippines in upholding international law," said US Ambassador @USAmbPH to PH MaryKay Carlson |… pic.twitter.com/dXvKVee7SR
— NewsWatch Plus PH (@newswatchplusph) August 31, 2024
