ROMUALDEZ CONDEMNS ‘BULLYING’ BY CHINA
SPEAKER Ferdinand Martin Romualdez has condemned the recent aggressive actions of the Chinese coast guard against a Philippines resupply boat in the West Philippine Sea.
Romualdez said this unprovoked act of hostility directly violates the nation’s sovereign rights and international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
“The harassment, blocking, execution of dangerous maneuvers, and deployment of water cannons against unarmed vessels engaged in routine operations is not only dangerous but also a blatant disregard for the diplomatic processes we, as a nation, have consistently and firmly advocated for,” Romualdez said in a statement.
The House leader demanded an immediate cessation of these intimidations and called on China to respect the 2016 Hague tribunal ruling which invalidated its expansive claims over the West Philippine Sea.
He stressed that this is a a clear attempt to undermine the peace and stability of the region, and it cannot be tolerated.
“We stand firm in our conviction that might does not make right. The Philippines, though a smaller nation, will not be cowed or bullied into submission,” he said.
Meanwhile, Romualdez called on the international community, especially the ASEAN neighbors and allies, to join the Filipinos in condemning these actions and to stand with us in upholding the freedom of navigation, the rule of law, and the preservation of peace in the region.
“We will take all necessary measures, including the filing of a diplomatic protest, to protect our sovereign rights and to ensure the safety of our citizens,” he said
“The Philippines seeks peace, but let it be known that we will defend our rights with steadfast determination,” he added.
