During a summit with Southeast Asian leaders and Li Qiang, the premier of the Chinese communist regime, Filipino President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. called for a reduction in tensions in the South China Sea and condemned China’s harassment and intimidation.
The tense aerial confrontations and clashes in the South China Sea between Beijing and Manila precede the regional summit in Laos. Near the disputed Sabina Shoal, also known as Xianbin by Beijing and Escoda by Manila, there were three confrontations in August. According to international law, this atoll is within the exclusive economic zone of the Philippines and is approximately 75 nautical miles west of the island province of Palawan.
Marcos has said that the Chinese coast guard uses violent methods: ramming Philippine maritime boats, firing water cannons, and blaring horns in all three clashes.
Marcos claims that there were also incidents in which missile ships from the Chinese navy struck civilian Filipino aircraft and boats.
According to his office, Marcos said during the meeting at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit, “It is regrettable that the overall situation in the South China Sea remains tense and unchanged.” We continue to be targeted for intimidation and harassment. Parties need to be willing to seriously manage differences and lower tensions.
The Chinese regime’s aggression, according to the Philippine president, demonstrates its “continued disregard for international law and standards.”
