FIRST SAY:
“We have a choice. We have two options as human beings. We have a choice between conversation and war. That's it. Conversation and violence. And faith is a conversation stopper.”
― Sam Harris
President Bongbong Marcos came out swinging at China. The occasion was at the 21st International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, where leaders of various countries, defense ministers and defense contractors were meeting to discuss world affairs.
Marcos slammed China for alleged violating the Philippine sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction over the South China Sea.
“Illegal, coercive, aggressive, and deceptive actions continue to violate our sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdictions. Attempts to apply domestic laws and regulations beyond one’s territory and jurisdiction violate international law, exacerbate tensions, and undermine regional peace and security,” President Marcos said.
The President did not mention any party or state behind these violations against the Philippines, but recent developments in the South China Sea undoubtedly point to China.
Sen. Joel Villanueva was profuse with praises for the President. He reiterated that China's narratives are "ridiculous" and their claims are "unfounded."
"I admire what the President mentioned, marami siyang ginamit na (he used several) adjectives but I like the word 'deceptive' because that's what China has been doing for quite some time," Villanueva said.
This barrage of vitriols that Bongbong hurled against our northern superpower-neighbor was met with applause by US Department of Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin III and several Filipino senators.
Austin hailed the Philippine efforts to protect and defend its territorial integrity and sovereignty, and uphold international law despite the challenges in the Indo-Pacific region.
Austin, in his remarks on "The New Convergence in the Indo-Pacific," noted how imperative it is for countries to ensure regional stability and that the rule of law must be upheld in the South China Sea and beyond.
"President Marcos spoke eloquently last night (May 31) about the rule of law in the South China Sea. And he's right. Every country, large or small, has the right to enjoy its own maritime resources and to freely sail and operate wherever international law allows," he added.
"The harassment that the Philippines has faced is dangerous—pure and simple. And we all share an interest in ensuring that the South China Sea remains open and free," Austin noted.
Meanwhile, the Filipino senators were one in their condemnation of China, especially
following the reports on Monday that the China Coast Guard (CCG) seized food supplies meant for Filipino soldiers in Ayungin Shoal and dumped them in the sea.
The CCG also reportedly prevented a medical evacuation of injured or sick soldiers in another incident in the West Philippine Sea on May 19.
Sen. Risa Hontiveros said the incidents showed China's disregard for valuable resources and disrespect for human life.
"Their obstruction of the soldiers' medical services is despicable and callous," Hontiveros said in a statement. Apart from having no respect for the sovereignty of the Philippines, they have also shown no respect for their fellow human beings," she added.
Senator Ramon "Bong" Revilla also denounced China's harassment activities as “inhumane.”
It can even qualify as piracy in the sea," Revilla said in a separate statement.
"We will not cede any inch of our territory and territorial rights, and we are taking notice of the bullying and provocations against our countrymen and our nation," Revilla said.
Sen. Nancy Binay emphasized the violation of basic principles of humane treatment and international norms. "Be it in times of war or in peace, it is imperative that all nations uphold the principles of empathy, compassion, and respect for human life as enshrined in the Geneva Convention," Binay said.
Sen. Sonny Angara also urged China to show restraint and not obstruct regular and non-hostile activities of Philippine personnel, including essential resupply and medical missions.
"This act from the CCG endangers the lives of our Filipino troops stationed at the Ayungin Shoal and could be deemed as a violation of their human rights," Angara said, adding that disputes should be resolved diplomatically.
Strong words, however, are good to hear and play well with the audience, but how to follow this up with actions is another matter.