Other nations must condemn China vessels' water cannon attack –Pacquiao

The latest water cannon attack by Chinese Coast Guard vessels must be condemned by other countries as the incident is a clear act of bullying by China and a violation of international law, Senator Manny Pacquiao said Sunday.

In a press statement, Pacquiao said blocking and firing water cannons in Philippine waters is a violation of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, to which China is a signatory.

"This incident is certainly a cause of deep concern. Ayungin Shoal is part of our country's exclusive economic zone and our continental shelf," said Pacquiao.

"This assault against our fishermen is a clear act of bullying and brinkmanship that must be condemned by all nations," he added.

He also urged China to end these incursions in the West Philippine Sea, the Philippines' claims in certain islands and waters in some parts of the South China Sea.

"I urge China to immediately stop these aggressive and provocative actions and pursue cooperative undertakings that are beneficial to all," Pacquiao wrote.

Philippines' top diplomat Teodoro Locsin, Jr. said that he had expressed to China the Philippines’ “outrage, condemnation, and protest" China's attack against two Philippine supply ships last November 16.

President Rodrigo Duterte, himself, has yet to issue his comment on the water cannon attack but his acting spokesman and Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles said the Philippines would continue resupply missions even as the Chinese vessels blocked and fired water cannons at two Philippine supply ships. — DVM, GMA News