DLSU polsci, int’l science departments condemn China intrusions in WPS

De La Salle University's Political Science and International Studies departments have condemned the Chinese government's continued presence in the West Philippine Sea.

"The acts of the Chinese government jeopardize the welfare of our fisherfolk and the sustainability of aquatic resources in the area. Ultimately, it causes tension in the area given the increased militarization," they said in a statement.

Both departments were appalled by the failure of the Philippine government to effectively secure the sovereignty of the country in the disputed waters.

"While the government has belatedly invoked the Hague ruling and filed diplomatic protests, the President should disabuse himself from the simplistic notion that the only other option is to antagonize China and risk war," they said.

Further, they urged the Philippine government to strengthen maritime security capacity and explore multilateral solutions.

They also called on President Rodrigo Duterte to "genuinely show" the resolve he promised during his 2016 presidential campaign.

"We re-assert that appeasement emboldens the aggressor, peace without dignity is subjugation, and asserting our rights is not a declaration of war."

"We must stand against those who think that might is right. It is high time that our government values our nation's patrimony," they added.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin, Jr. said the Philippines has filed diplomatic protests after the government found over 200 Chinese militia vessels lingering in the WPS.

Aside from the 240 Chinese militia vessels, six Chinese navy vessels, including three warships, have been spotted in the WPS by Philippine sovereignty patrols. There were also two People's Liberation Army Navy vessels seen in Bajo de Masinloc.

The NTF-WPS said there were also illegal Chinese poachers discovered off the Pag-asa Islands.

In 2013, the Philippines challenged China’s legal basis for its expansive claim before the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, Netherlands, and won the case in a landmark award in 2016 after the tribunal invalidated Beijing’s assertions.

China rejected the ruling, saying its claims have historical basis and are “indisputable.” — Ma. Angelica Garcia/BM, GMA News