The Makabayan bloc in the House of Representatives gave some meaningful--if not unsolicited--advice to both the Chinese and Philippine governments on the occasion of the Lunar New Year.

The bloc--composed of ACT Teachers Party-list Rep. Antonio Tinio, Gabriela Party-list Rep. Sarah Elago, and Kabataan Party-list Rep. Renee Co--issued these comments Tuesday, Feb. 17 as it expressed hope "for a peaceful resolution of current conflicts and disputes in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) and the broader region".

"We recognize the deep historical, cultural, and people-to-people ties between the Filipino and Chinese peoples," the militant trio said, before addressing both governments.

"To the Chinese government, threats or warnings of economic sanctions or consequences against the Philippines are not consistent with calls for peaceful resolution. Such threats undermine diplomatic efforts and breed resentment among the Filipino people, who have long valued friendship and cooperation with the Chinese people," the Makabayan said.

It said Beijing should "dial down its rhetoric and cease its aggressive actions in the West Philippine Sea, including harassment of Filipino fisherfolk, blocking of Philippine vessels conducting legitimate resupply and patrol missions, and militarization of disputed features".

"These actions violate international law, including UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea) and the 2016 arbitral ruling that affirmed Philippine sovereign rights," the solons said.

"Peaceful coexistence can only be achieved if China respects Philippine sovereignty and maritime rights, and if disputes are resolved through dialogue and adherence to international law—not through coercion or intimidation," they added.

At the same time, the Makabayan bloc called on the Philippine government "not to escalate the already tense situation by toeing the US line and allowing greater US involvement through increased US military presence".

The United States (US) and China are economic rivals.

"The recent establishment of the US Army Rotational Force-Philippines, the expansion of US access to nine EDCA (Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement) sites, and growing joint military exercises have turned the Philippines into a forward operating base for US military operations," the House faction said.

The solons argued that does not enhance Philippine security. Instead it "makes the Philippines a target in the strategic competition between the [US] and China". They said the Philippines should not be dragged into a conflict that serves US interests but threatens the lives and livelihoods of millions of Filipinos.

The Makabayan insisted, "The path to peace and stability lies in diplomacy, dialogue, and the pursuit of an independent foreign policy. The Philippines must assert its sovereignty through peaceful means and without becoming a client state of any foreign power."

"The Philippines should strengthen regional cooperation through ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) and pursue confidence-building measures with China that can reduce tensions and create space for negotiations," the solons said.