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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Hontiveros slams China's military drills around Taiwan after Lai's proclamation

Hontiveros slams China's military drills around Taiwan after Lai's proclamation

Published May 26, 2024 03:24 am

Senator Risa Hontiveros on Sunday, May 26, criticized China's moves to conduct military drills around Taiwan following the inauguration of their new president Lai Ching-te.

China's military has started two days of military exercises around Taiwan, calling it a "strong punishment" for the self-ruled island's "separatist acts."

In his speech, President Lai called on China to stop threatening the island and accept the existence of its democracy.


"China must stop flexing her muscles around Taiwan and all across the South China Sea (SCS)," Hontiveros said in a statement.

"Militarizing the SCS is not the solution. Instead of working with governments to abate the tensions in the region, all Beijing has done is make matters worse," she further said. 

The opposition reiterated that the Taiwanese, like any free and democratic people, have the right to choose their leaders and other elected representatives.  

"I want to assure the new Taiwanese President, Lai Ching-te, that he has allies in the Philippines," she said.

"As a fellow believer in democracy, I would like to express my renewed commitment to support all his current and prospective efforts to help safeguard peace and security in our region," added the lawmaker.

The senator said she can only hope the international community can unequivocally stand with Taiwan amid China’s continued belligerence.  

"Any conflict in our region affects not only our neighbors, but also the entire world," she emphasized.

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TAIWAN VISIT Risa Hontiveros
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