Romualdez appeals to Beijing: Stop aggression that hurts PH-China ties

Philippine navy personnel recovers what was left of the goods for troops aboard BRP Sierra Madre which was dumped by China Coast Guard (CCG) in the West Philippine Sea. CCG regularly attempts to intercept the delivery of supplies for the naval outpost to prevent the entry of construction materials. PHOTO FROM THE ARMED FORCES OF THE PHILIPPINES

MANILA, Philippines — China must stop its aggressive actions in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) saying it only strain the bilateral relations of the two countries, Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez said on Tuesday.

In an ambush interview, Romualdez said that it is saddening to hear that the Chinese Coast Guard seized supplies intended for troops in Ayungin Shoal — a reef within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone that China claims ownership of.

READ: China Coast Guard seizes PH supplies for Ayungin 

According to Romualdez, the WPS issue should not define the relationship of Philippines and China.

“Of course the President maintains that he shall give up not a single inch or millimeter (of our territory).  And with what has happened, we bemoan, we are really saddened with what our neighbors from China did, and we hope they would stop this aggressive behavior because our relationship would not improve from this,” Romualdez told reporters after a housing site inspection in San Mateo town.

“Honestly, this West Philippine Sea issue should not define the relationship between the Philippines and China.  There are more aspects to our relation than the maritime dispute, but while this aggressive behavior of China is continuously propagated by their naval (vessels), or Coast Guard, or militia forces, or their sea assets, the situation becomes even more tense,” he added.

Despite rising tensions, Romualdez said that the Philippines will not allow such a treatment from China.

“But of course we would not allow ourselves to be treated that way.  That’s why we will be very firm and all the respective authorities will be supporting the President’s policy,” he added.

Tensions between the Philippines and China have risen recently, especially after the trilateral summit between the Philippines, the United States, and Japan.  According to China, the meeting appears to be a “stoking bloc confrontation” in the WPS.

There were several occasions after the trilateral meet that ships from the China Coast Guard (CCG) and People’s Liberation Army-Navy (PLAN) were seen near the country’s waters, especially during the Balikatan exercises between Philippine and American forces.

Prior to the trilateral summit, Philippine vessels delivering supplies to Ayungin Shoal were also either water-cannoned or hit by Chinese ships.

READ: Number of Chinese ships in West PH Sea increases as war games begin 

There were also instances that Chinese research vessels were spotted over the country’s eastern waters — which are even farther from mainland China.

READ: Research vessel in eastern PH turns off tracking system – PH military 

Recently, China’s government approved a new policy authorizing its coast guard to detain foreigners deemed “illegally crossing” its borders for 60 days without trial.

READ: China empowers self to detain South China Sea ‘trespassers’ 

According to an article published by the South China Morning Post on May 16, China’s new policy will take effect next month on June 15.