This image released by the Armed Forces of the Philippines shows a Chinese militia vessel, top, near Philippine coast guard vessel BRP Cabra as they approach Second Thomas Shoal, locally called Ayungin Shoal, at the disputed South China Sea on Sunday Oct. 22, 2023. (Armed Forces of the Philippines via AP)
MANILA, Philippines — A youth organization urged President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday to continuously assert the Philippines’ sovereign rights after China’s latest bout of aggression in the West Philippine Sea.
On Sunday, Chinese vessels collided with Philippine boats that were on a resupply mission to the BRP Sierra Madre outpost. The National Youth Movement for the West Philippine Sea (NYMWPS) slammed China’s apparent disregard for international law.
“The use of gray tactics for one is a manifestation of China’s wanton disregard on the rule of law. Relentless harassment of vessels, ranging from government patrols to Filipino fishermen sailing the West Philippine Sea, is totally unacceptable,” said the NYMWPS in a statement.
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“We call on President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr., and other responsible agencies of the Philippine national government to continuously assert our sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea, and to uphold the constitutional mandate to defend our territorial integrity and national interest,” added the group.
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The NYMWPS described itself as a peaceful, transglobal organization that advocates for the sovereignty of the Philippines. It strongly condemned not only the collision, but the continuous presence of Chinese vessels in the West Philippine Sea as well
“The presence of these Chinese Coast Guard and militia vessels does not reflect the friendship both our countries have committed to foster,” said the NYMWPS.
The latest collision in the West Philippine Sea had drawn condemnation from the Philippines’ international allies, including the United States and Japan.
China however, maintained that the Philippine vessels that intruded upon its territory.