China’s “weaponizing” of islands within the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and its deployment of nuclear-capable bombers within striking distance to the Philippine mainland is a “matter of serious national security concern,” a lawmaker stressed on Monday.
“This issue is beyond politics and involves a threat to national territorial integrity and security, and will affect the lives of not just the Filipinos of today but also those of future generations,” said Muntinlupa Rep. Ruffy Biazon, who was also vice chair of the House committee on national defense and security, in a statement.
Amid the recent events, Biazon called on the lower chamber to give urgent attention to Resolution Nos. 1855 and 1856, which he filed last May 9.
HR 1855 calls for the convening of the NSC to address the seeming escalation of military presence by China within the Philippine EEZ while HR 1856 directs the House committee on national defense and security to conduct an inquiry into reports of deployment of missiles on islands in the Spratlys which were within striking distance to the Philippine mainland.
Biazon also said China’s aggressive posture endangers Filipinos’ ability to harness and exploit natural resources within the Philippine EEZ.
“Therefore, it is urgent for the Philippines to adopt a policy and position that will uphold national interest in terms of security, territorial integrity, natural resources, and patrimony,” Biazon said.
“Such a policy is best crafted with the inputs from those who compose the National Security Council whose collective wisdom based on experience, expertise and diversity of opinion will ensure a balanced conclusion in favor of Philippine national interest,” he added.
Last May 19, reports surfaced indicating that China landed long-range nuclear-capable bombers on one of South China Sea’s artificial islands for the first time.
READ: China lands nuclear-capable bombers in South China Sea for the first time /
China preps nuclear bombers on disputed reefs; PH within range
With this, the Philippines has come within easy reach of China’s top-of-the-line nuclear strike-capable bomber, according to some security analysts. /kga
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