By Macon Ramos-Araneta
Sen. Risa Hontiveros lambasted China after Beijing released a “2023 standard map” showing a 10-dash-line that claims the West Philippine Sea (WPS) as part of Chinese territory.
“China is delusional,” stressed Hontiveros.
“They’re just doing anything to get our territory,” emphasized the opposition senator.
The “standard map” released by Beijing’s state-owned newspaper, Global Times, lays claim to a large part of the South China Sea, including the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone in the West Philippine Sea.
The “map” also emphasized Taiwan as well as India’s northeastern state of Arunachal Pradesh and Aksai Chin region as part of China’s domain.
“India has already lodged a protest against China for issuing this ridiculous map.” Hontiveros hopes the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) will file a diplomatic protest as well.
She said if many countries will oppose thus map, there’s a bigger chance of correcting this lie of China.
Hontiveros recalled that on June 7, 2013, it was reported that the DFA handed a confidential note verbale to the Chinese Embassy in Manila protesting China’s publication of a “10-dash-line map” that year. The senator said the agency should do the same for this recent map.
The senator added that the DFA should also coordinate with the National Resource and Mapping Authority (NAMRIA) to update a map that clearly shows our Exclusive Economic Zone, continental shelves, and territorial seas in the West Philippine Sea.
“Isang dekada na ang nakalipas, hindi pa rin natatauhan ang Tsina. We know that China is a master manipulator, willing to bend the truth for her own gain, at the expense of countries like ours. China will continue to spread fake news, fund pro-Beijing mouthpieces, and distribute propaganda materials.”
“We must push back. We must not rest until China stops her absurdity,” Hontiveros added.
But Sen. Chiz Escudero said China can issue as many maps as they want to but it does not affect the Philippines nor does it impinge on the Arbitrary ruling in favor of the Philippines.
He noted that any unilateral declaration by a State has no weight nor standing in international law.
He also urged not to allow China to manipulate the situation by giving in to knee-jerk reaction.
“We should do what we think is right and in accordance with our national interest,” added Escudero.
Senate Minority leader Aquilino Pimentel said the country is not under any obligation to recognize the territorial claims of other countries.
Sen. Jinggoy Estrada said, “We urge everyone involved to exercise restraint, promote mutual respect, and work towards resolving any disagreements or conflicts through peaceful and equitable means.”
Sen. Francis Tolentino aired his support for Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri stance that the “wanton disregard of the People’s Republic of China (PROC) for our claim on the WPS should not be condoned nor tolerated by the international community.”
Tolentino cited the need to fast track the legislative measure that will call for the enactment of the maritime zone bill.
Tolentino who was appointed to lead a special Senate committee that will exclusively focus on measures in connection with the country’s maritime and admiralty zones.
Zubiri vowed to expedite the passage into law of the proposed Philippine Maritime Zones Act to quell any attempts by China to expand and include the country’s maritime territories as part of its own.
He pointed out other countries are also affected by China’s 10-dash line map — India, Vietnam, Malaysia and Indonesia.
“So, I think it will galvanize support from other countries. More countries will support and stand with the Philippines to condemn and to appeal to China not to follow that ridiculous 10-dash line. It violates the sovereignty, not only of the Philippines now but of several other countries all around Asia,” stressed the Senate leader.
