Lawmakers condemn Chinese intrusion in Benham Rise

Map showing disputed claims in the South China Sea. Includes locations for Reed Bank and Benham Rise, where Chinese survey ships were seen last year, according to the Philippine government. AFP

MANILA, Philippines — Lawmakers on Sunday strongly condemned what they call “Chinese intrusion” into the waters of the Philippine (Benham) Rise east of Luzon, pointing out that the government needs to “enforce” the country’s rights within the area and focus on the matter.

Albay 2nd District Rep. Joey Salceda and House Deputy Minority Leader and ACT Teachers Rep. France Castro issued their respective statements after reports said that two Chinese research vessels — Haiyang Dizhi Liuhao and Haiyang Dizhi Liuhao — were spotted “loitering” within the area last March 1, as revealed by an American maritime expert.

READ: 2 Chinese research vessels ‘loitering’ at Philippine Rise

“The West Philippine Sea might be a condominium among our neighbors. But China has absolutely no place in the Benham Rise. That’s exclusively ours. They’re intruders — pure and simple,” Salceda said.

“Secretary Teodoro is taking the correct approach of boosting our technological capabilities in both aerial and maritime patrolling and defense. Moving forward, what we must do is not merely patrol but enforce our rights in the area,” he added.

Salceda further revealed that he has already coordinated with fellow lawmaker Iloilo 5th District Rep. Raul “Boboy” Tupas, who chairs the House Committee of National Defense, “to finance and acquire advanced weapons and military hardware.”

“The House has already passed its version, and we are merely waiting for a bicam with the Senate,” he said.

For her part, Castro said the maritime incident poses a threat to the country’s national sovereignty and maritime rights, as she called on the government to address the matter instead of focusing on amending the Constitution.

“The Marcos government should concentrate more on these incursions and stop wasting time on charter change that could even make strategic parts of our resources owned by China or other foreign powers,” she stressed.

The lawmaker added that the government must thoroughly probe these activities.

“Benham Rise, now officially designated as a “protected food supply exclusive zone,” is a resource-rich area that holds significant importance for our country,” Castro said.

“While Chinese maritime intrusions are often observed in the disputed South China Sea, the presence of Chinese vessels in the northeastern part of the Philippines is a clear violation of our sovereignty. The objective of these vessels is yet to be verified, and it is crucial for the Philippine authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into their activities,” she added.