Aquino calls on international community to resist China’s sea claims

President Benigno Aquino III. RYAN LIM/MALACAÑANG PHOTO BUREAU

MANILA, Philippines—President Benigno Aquino III has sought the support of the international community in resisting China’s territorial claims over the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea).

“If we say yes to something we believe is wrong now, what guarantee is there that the wrong will not be further exacerbated down the line?” Aquino said in an interview with the New York Times.

“At what point do you say, ‘Enough is enough’? Well, the world has to say it,” he added.

Aquino cited a lesson from history where the West failed to support Czechoslovakia against Adolf Hitler’s demands for the Sudetenland in 1938 and was eventually given in an attempt to appease the German dictator to prevent World War II.

Aquino, however, assured the government is determined not to make similar concessions.

The New York Times described Aquino’s remarks as “among the strongest indications yet of alarm among Asian heads of state about China’s military build-up and territorial ambitions and the second time in recent weeks that an Asian leader has volunteered a comparison to the prelude to world wars.”

Aquino also said he is optimistic the Philippines and the United States are very close to a long-delayed agreement that would enhance the Philippines’ security.

“We are very optimistic this will happen,” he said.

The Philippines has brought its territorial dispute with China to international bodies governing the law of the seas but China refuses to recognize the move.

Aquino maintained in the interview that the Philippines would not surrender its territories in the disputed area.

“You may have the might but that does not necessarily make you right,” Aquino said.

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