The Philippines Stands Firm on Peaceful Resolution Amid China’s Provocations in West Philippine Sea
The Philippines continues to advocate for peaceful dialogue and diplomacy in response to China’s illegal actions in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), as stated by National Security Adviser and National Security Council (NSC) Director General Eduardo Año.
During a thanksgiving dinner aboard the BRP Melchora Aquino in Manila, Año emphasized the country’s commitment to promoting peace and resolving issues through dialogue and diplomacy, despite China’s provocative and illegal actions that infringe on Philippine sovereignty.
The NSC chief’s remarks came after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. urged for more decisive actions beyond diplomatic protests to address Chinese vessels’ aggression at sea.
In response to China’s recent actions hindering the delivery of food and supplies to a Philippine military outpost on the BRP Sierra Madre at Ayungin Shoal in the WPS on June 17, the Marcos administration issued a note verbale. This incident resulted in injuries to Filipino troops, with footage showing Chinese coast guard wielding bladed weapons and causing damage.
Año stressed the government’s efforts to urge China to abide by international laws and respect sovereign rights, pledging to protect the nation’s territorial integrity.
The Philippines is preparing to hold a bilateral consultation mechanism meeting with China in July to address recent incidents. The confrontations between Chinese and Philippine ships reflect China’s increasing efforts to assert its claims in the strategically important waterway. Ayungin Shoal, where the recent incident took place, sits about 200 kilometers from Palawan and over 1,000 kilometers from China’s nearest major landmass, Hainan island.
