PH protests aggressive Chinese attacks vs Filipino officials

The Philippines has protested China's attacks against Filipino government officials, who have criticized Beijing's aggressive actions in the disputed South China Sea.

In a statement issued Monday by the Department of Foreign Affairs, the agency said it made "firm representations to the Chinese Ambassador and the Chinese Embassy" to convey "serious concerns with the escalation of public exchanges" between the embassy and Philippine legislators, such as Senator Risa Hontiveros, Senator Kiko Pangilinan, Senator Erwin Tulfo, and other government officials.

A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman also issued a strong warning against certain Philippine officials spreading disinformation against China that would "pay the price."

"We reiterate our previous statements affirming support for our officials to perform their lawful duties in defense of Philippine sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction. Their views, as well as those of disagreeing voices, are an inescapable part of the robust plurality of ideas that animate our democratic society," the DFA said.

At the same time, the DFA noted that while the Philippines "values debate on our differences in national positions," it said it "recognizes the need for sober, professional and respectful exchanges in the public sphere."

"Such is not contradictory to the national interest," the DFA said.

Relations between the two Asian neighbors plunged to its lowest in recent years after Chinese Coast Guard, Navy and suspected maritime militia ships have used high-pressure water cannons and dangerous maritime maneuvers to Philippine ships or vessels China has accused of entering its territorial waters illegally.

An arbitral tribunal in The Hague, Netherlands in 2016 nullified China’s massive claim over the resource-rich South China Sea, including areas within the waters that fall under Manila’s territory. 

China has refused to recognize the ruling. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News