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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Romualdez calls out Chinese Coast Guard anew, says its actions 'cannot be tolerated'

Romualdez calls out Chinese Coast Guard anew, says its actions 'cannot be tolerated'

Published Nov 10, 2023 07:03 am

At A Glance

  • House Speaker Martin Romualdez has once again called out the Chinese Cost Guard for its aggressive actions within Philippine territorial waters. 

IMG-5bf83f820706bd116ad214880ac10ccb-V.jpgHouse Speaker Martin Romualdez (Speaker’s office)

House Speaker Martin Romualdez has once again called out the Chinese Cost Guard for its aggressive actions within Philippine territorial waters.

"I vehemently condemn the recent aggressive actions of the Chinese Coast Guard against a Philippine resupply boat in the West Philippine Sea (WPS). This unprovoked act of hostility directly violates our nation’s sovereign rights and international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)," Romualdez said in a statement Friday afternoon, Nov. 10 in what reads like deja vu at this point.

"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," said the leader of the 300-plus strong House.

Romualdez said China's latest move was "clear attempt to undermine the peace and stability of the region, and it cannot be tolerated".

For the past few months. Philippine assets in the WPS have been subjected to acts like laser-pointing, water cannon attacks, encirclements, and blatant rammings by Chinese vessels.

ALSO READ:

https://mb.com.ph/2023/11/6/chinese-vessels-acts-in-wps-are-a-serious-cause-for-concern-says-house-leader

"We demand an immediate cessation of these intimidations and call on China to respect the 2016 Hague tribunal ruling which invalidated its expansive claims over the [WPS]," Romualdez said, referring to the arbitration court decision that invalidated China's expansive nine-dash-line claim in the South China Sea.

"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...The Philippines seeks peace, but let it be known that we will defend our rights with steadfast determination," the House leader underscored.

"I call upon the international community, especially our ASEAN neighbors and allies, to join us 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 further said.

ASEAN stands for Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

Related Tags

Martin Romualdez Chinese Coast Guard Law West Philippine Sea
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