Former Bayan Muna Party-list representative Carlos Zarate on Monday, April 28, has warned the Philippine government from falling into the "trap" caused by the rivalry of the world's superpowers following China's latest provocation on the sovereignty of the Philippines, which is militarily-backed by the US.

While he condemned and called as "blatant violation of Philippine sovereignty" China's recent occupation of the Sandy Cay--a tiny sandbank within the country's exclusive economic zone (EEZ)--Zarate said the Philippines must also be cautious about seeking help specifically from the US due to its supposed "hegemonic interest".

"Ang West Philippine Sea ay hindi dapat gawing larangan ng digmaan ng mga imperyalista (The West Philippine Sea must not be a battleground for imperialists)," he said after stressing that "China's continued encroachment and militarization of our waters necessitate a firm and decisive response."

To counter China's encroachment, the progressive leader said Manila "must prioritize diplomacy and multilateral cooperation over unilateral actions that only exacerbate tensions".

"The South China Sea must not become a battleground for competing superpowers. We must ensure that it remains a sea of peace, cooperation, and mutual respect," he said.

He also called on the international community to act decisively, uphold international law and work collectively to establish the South China Sea as a Zone of Peace.

"This requires a commitment from all parties to resolve disputes peacefully, respect the sovereignty of all nations, and prioritize the stability and security of the region," he added.