Poe: China’s ‘imperious acts’ amid COVID-19 crisis ‘unfortunate’

MANILA, Philippines — Senator Grace Poe on Wednesday said the government should continue to protect national sovereignty as she lamented China’s “imperious acts” amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Poe made the remark following China’s recent aggression in the West Philippine Sea which included the pointing of a radar gun at a Philippine Navy ship and declaring parts of a Philippine territory as part of Hainan province.

The Philippine government has since filed two diplomatic protests against China for violating international law and Philippine sovereignty.

READ: PH files 2 diplomatic protests vs Chinese aggression in West Philippine Sea

“We have shown resolute action by promptly filing diplomatic protests. We must continue to reject maneuvers that trample on our national sovereignty and international laws,” Poe said in a statement.

“It is unfortunate that China is once again flexing its muscles with its imperious acts at a time when nations all over the world are busy dealing with COVID-19,” she added.

The senator said that efforts should instead be focused on “combating the pandemic and how to make economies and lives get back on track.”

Philippines’ move to file a diplomatic protest came as China started using the coronavirus crisis for diplomacy by donating supplies and medical equipment.

READ: DFA receives COVID-19 test kits, PPEs donated by China