MABAHO ANG TSINA

HINDI tama ang Tsina. Noong Martes, muling kinanyon ng tubig at binangga ang Philippine mission na nagdala ng tubig at pagkain sa mga mangingisda sa Bajo de Masinloc, mga isla na nasa loob ng exclusive economc zone (EEZ) ng Filipinas. Pilit inaangkin ng Tsina ang Bajo de Masinloc kahit talo sa sakdal ng isinampa ng Filipinas sa Permanent Arbitration Commission ng United Nations Conference on the Laws of the Seas (UNCLOS).

Tuwirang nilabag ng Tsina ang international law at inilubog ang mga mangingisdang Pinoy na umaasa sa traditional fishing group ng Bajo de Masinloc. Inuuga ng Tsina ang kapayapaan at katatagan ng rehiyon. Gusto ng Tsina ng gulo sa rehiyon.

Nagsalita si U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson:” The PRC used dangerous maneuvers and water cannons to disrupt a lawful Philippine mission providing food and fuel to fisherfolk within the EEZ. The Philippines can count on U.S. support as friends, partners, and allies to uphold freedom of navigation and international law.”
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May pahayag ang National Task Force – West Philippine Sea:

Today is a sad day for Filipino fishermen. That China would go to great lengths to obstruct a Philippine humanitarian mission to assist our fishermen in their fishing grounds is not only shocking but appalling.

Earlier today, China Coast Guard (CCG) and Chinese Maritime Militia (CMM) vessels harassed, blocked, water cannoned, rammed vessels of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) enroute to Panatag Shoal (Bajo de Masinloc) to conduct a regular humanitarian and assistance mission to Filipino Fishing Boats in and around the area.

In line with the transparency policy in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), members of the press – local and foreign – are routinely invited to embed in these regular BFAR Humanitarian and Assistance Missions for fisherfolk throughout the WPS and our other maritime areas. Today, the embedded press on the PCG and BFAR vessels have not only witnessed but also experienced first-hand – alongside the determined PCG and BFAR personnel – the illegal, coercive, aggressive, and dangerous actions of the agents of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and their CCG and CMM.

At this time, both PCG and BFAR vessels have regrouped approximately twenty (20) nautical miles from Panatag Shoal (Bajo de Masinloc). They are conducting damage assessments and are reorganizing.

Initial reports from PCG and BFAR personnel onboard, as reflected by live media reports, indicate that the PCG vessel suffered some damage to a part of its superstructure from targeted high-pressure water cannoning by CCG vessels. As regards the BFAR vessel, it sustained damage to its HVAC, electrical, navigation, and radio systems and superficial hull damage as the vessel was subjected to at least eight (?? instances of targeted high-pressure water cannoning from CCG vessels and was rammed a total of three (3) times by both CCG and CMM vessels.

These latest demonstrations of China’s illegal and irresponsible behavior highlight their egregious disregard for the Philippines’ lawful exercise of its rights and entitlements in our own EEZ. Clearly, China has no regard for the welfare of our fishermen who only want to make a decent living in the WPS. China’s act of obstructing civilian ships carrying only supplies for our fishermen calls into question the sincerity of their call for dialogue and peaceful approaches to de-escalate the situation in the West Philippine Sea.

The Philippines will continue to act peacefully and responsibly, consistent with a rules-based international law, on the basis of UNCLOS and the valid and binding 2016 Arbitral Award. Peace and stability in the region cannot be achieved if countries, big or small, do not exercise due regard for the well-established and legally-settled rights of others.

The Philippines will not be deterred from pursuing legitimate and lawful activities in our maritime zones, including in BD M which is a vital source of livelihood for our fisherfolk.
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May paraan upng tugunan ang ginagawang kahayupan ng Tsina sa ating bansa at teritoryo. Msy panukala ang ilang akademiko:

1. Strengthening international alliances: Collaborate closely with allied nations like the United States, Japan, Australia, and the EU to ensure a united front against China’s aggression. This could include joint military exercises, intelligence sharing, and diplomatic pressure on China to respect international law.

2. Enhancing transparency and media exposure: Continue the transparency policy by documenting and publicizing aggressive actions by the Chinese Coast Guard and Maritime Militia. This strategy has already proven effective in garnering international support and condemnation of China’s actions.

3. Expanding maritime patrols and surveillance: Increase the frequency and intensity of patrols within the EEZ to deter Chinese vessels from engaging in illegal activities. Utilize advanced surveillance technologies, such as drones and satellite imagery, to monitor and document any Chinese incursions.

4. Strengthening legal and diplomatic responses: Leverage the 2016 Arbitral Award and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) to assert Philippine sovereignty and rights within the EEZ.

Pursue legal actions against China in international courts and engage in diplomatic dialogues to resolve disputes peacefully.

5. Bolstering defense capabilities: Upgrade and modernize the Philippine Coast Guard’s fleet and equipment to better protect its maritime interests. This could include acquiring fast patrol boats, surveillance aircraft, and other advanced defense systems.

6. Enhancing regional cooperation: Strengthen ties with neighboring countries, such as Vietnam and Indonesia, to create a united front against Chinese aggression in the South China Sea. This could involve joint patrols, information sharing, and coordinated diplomatic efforts.

7. Engaging in public diplomacy: Raise awareness about the importance of the South China Sea to the Philippines’ economy and national security. Educate the public and international community about the implications of China’s actions and the need for a peaceful resolution.

8. Diversifying economic partnerships: Reduce economic dependence on China by strengthening trade and investment relationships with other countries. This will provide the Philippines with more leverage in negotiations and reduce the risk of economic retaliation from China.

9. Encouraging private sector support: Partner with the private sector, including media organizations and civil society groups, to raise awareness and support for the Philippine Coast Guard’s efforts. This could involve media campaigns, public events, and fundraising initiatives.

10. Continuously assessing and adapting strategies: Regularly evaluate the effectiveness of these strategies and make necessary adjustments based on the evolving situation in the South China Sea. This will ensure that the Philippine Coast Guard remains agile and responsive to new challenges and opportunities.

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