SCS demilitarization sought
SENATOR Ana Theresia N. Hontiveros-Baraquel on Monday warned against the Philippines militarizing bases in the South China Sea (SCS), saying diplomatic efforts to ease tensions with China are crucial.
“There must be an end to and a reversal of the Chinese militarization of the entire South China Sea that is inflaming the arms race in the region, threatening security and peace on our side of the world,” she said in a privilege speech in mixed English and Filipino.
“It is still very important that our Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) files these diplomatic protests after incidents, and that they summon the Chinese ambassador to let him explain (China’s actions) to our government,” she added.
The Philippines has filed 153 diplomatic protests against China under the Marcos administration, 20 in all this year, Philippine Foreign Affairs spokesperson Ma. Teresita C. Daza told reporters in a WhatsApp message on May 2.
Manila should ask its international allies to send vessels to accompany Philippine resupply missions in the South China Sea to deter Chinese incursions, Ms. Hontiveros-Baraquel said.
“Our best weapon is the truth: shining a light on the coercive tactics of the Chinese government in the West Philippine Sea — the oppression, harassment, and environmental destruction it has deliberately and violently employed as matters of policy,” she added. — John Victor D. Ordoñez