China’s new policy on ‘trespassers’ a ‘desperate move’ – Atin Ito

In this September 23, 2015, photo, provided by Filipino fisherman Renato Etac, a Chinese Coast Guard boat sprays a water cannon at Filipino fishermen near Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea. (Renato Etac via AP)

MANILA, Philippines — China’s new policy giving power to its coast guard to arrest and detain foreigners “illegally crossing” its borders is a “desperate move” by the Asian superpower, according to Akbayan President and Atin Ito (This is Ours) Coalition co-convenor Rafaela David.

David said China’s tactic aims “to undermine the growing and effective active citizenship of Filipinos asserting their rights in the region.”

“China’s threats on so-called trespassers in the West Philippine Sea are a clear indication of their desperation. It is China which is trespassing in our seas. These threats are not only a violation of international law but also an admission by China that our peaceful, civilian-led initiatives are effective and winning the hearts and minds of many in the global community,” she said.

READ: China empowers self to detain South China Sea ‘trespassers’

Media reports indicated that China recently approved a new policy authorizing its coast guard extensive powers to detain “trespassers” for up to 60 days without trial.

David pointed out that this new policy of China coincides with the recent conclusion of Atin Ito’s second civilian supply mission to the West Philippine Sea. She suspected that this China’s move was in response to Atin Ito’s civilian-led supply mission.

“China’s attempt to intimidate and deter Filipino citizens from exercising their rightful activities in the WPS will not succeed. Instead, it further galvanizes our resolve to stand up for our rights and freedoms,” she said

“The international community must recognize and condemn these aggressive tactics by China, which are designed to stifle legitimate civilian movements and maintain their militarized presence in the WPS,” she added.

READ: Atin Ito voyage has fulfilled its main goals in Panatag Shoal – Akbayan

Meanwhile, Speaker Martin Romualdez said China’s latest aggressive pronouncements are “blatant escalation of tensions in the West Philippine Sea.”

“These unilateral actions flagrantly violate international law and the established norms that guide the Philippines and other law-abiding nations with claims in the South China Sea. China must respect international rulings and act as a responsible member of the global community, rather than imposing its own laws unilaterally and bullying other nations,” he said.

“The House of the Filipino People will not tolerate any arrests of our citizens or fishermen within our own Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). We will fiercely defend our sovereignty and ensure the safety and rights of our people,” the House leader added.

Atin Ito concluded its supply mission on May 16 after accomplishing the following main objectives, particularly at the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone near Masinloc town in Zambales province and the general vicinity of Scarborough (Panatag) Shoal:

• Conducting a peace and solidarity regatta comprised of 5 civilian marine vessels and 100 small fishing boats in our exclusive economic zone
• Placing symbolic buoys/markers carrying the message “WPS, Atin Ito!,”
• Completing the first round of distributing supplies, including fuel and food packs, to Filipino fishers

Atin Ito reported on Thursday that its 10-member advance team had arrived 25 to 30 nautical miles from the general vicinity of Bajo de Masinloc and breached China’s “illegal blockade.”

It also said that the team was able to deliver “crucial provisions, including fuel and food, to Filipino fishers working in the area” as their efforts resulted in the distribution of 1,000 liters of diesel and 200 food packs despite a Chinese Navy ship with body number 175 constantly shadowing them.