Send home, replace Chinese envoy — Sen. Villanueva

Senator Joel Villanueva. PHOTO FROM JOEL VILLANUEVA FACEBOOK PAGE

MANILA, Philippines — Following China’s recent incursion and dangerous maneuvers in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva said it might be the right time for the Chinese ambassador to the Philippines to be sent back  to Beijing.

“It may be the right time for the Chinese ambassador to be sent home to Beijing and be replaced with someone who would prioritize adherence to international laws,” said Villanueva in a statement on Tuesday, referring to Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian.

A China Coast Guard vessel and Chinese maritime militia boat on Sunday harassed and hit a Philippine Coast Guard and a chartered boat on a resupply mission to Philippine troops stationed on Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal in the WPS.

Villanueva said China’s continued aggression and “illegal activities” in the West Philippine Sea is deplorable and unacceptable.

“The intrusion of the Chinese Coast Guard – hitting and damaging the Philippine navy ships delivering essential supplies in Ayungin Shoal is undoubtedly an escalated form of harassment,” said the senator. 

With this, Villanueva stressed that there is a need to strengthen and modernize the Philippine Coast Guard, saying that doing so may help the force better defend the country’s territories. 

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