Bayan Warns Against Militarization of West Philippine Sea Amid China-US Rivalry

Bayan warns against militarization of West Philippine Sea amid China-US rivalry

Bayan alerts on the rising militarization of the West Philippine Sea amid the intensifying China-US rivalry. Read about the implications and latest updates.

The progressive group Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) has denounced China’s repeated harassment of Filipinos in the West Philippine Sea while also cautioning against the Philippines being drawn into the US-China rivalry. The group staged a protest in front of the Chinese Consulate on the Day of Valor to symbolize Filipinos’ commitment to resisting foreign aggressors, urging China to withdraw from the disputed waters and cease its aggressive actions.

Bayan Calls for China to Respect Philippine Sovereignty

Bayan called on China to move out of the West Philippine Sea, dismantle its illegal structures, recognize the 2016 arbitral ruling, and stop harassing Filipino fisherfolk and supply missions. The group emphasized that the Philippines’ legitimate resistance against Chinese aggression should not lead to foreign military buildup and the “recolonization” of the country through American military facilities.

The group criticized President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for allowing the US to reestablish military bases in the Philippines through the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreements. They argued that the Marcos administration is turning the West Philippine Sea into a staging ground for US-led foreign troops to advance their self-serving geopolitical agenda.

Marcos Hopes for Easing of Tensions with China

President Marcos recently expressed hope that Chinese aggressions in the West Philippine Sea would be avoided following the Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity among the Philippines, the US, Japan, and Australia. He stated that the Philippines is doing everything possible to save its worsening ties with China following a series of confrontations in the region.

Marcos is set to attend a “tri-summit” with the United States and Japan in Washington this week, where the South China Sea issue is expected to be among the agenda items. The president’s attendance at the summit highlights the importance of addressing the ongoing tensions in the region and the need for a peaceful resolution to the disputes.

Balancing Act for the Philippines

The Philippines finds itself in a delicate position, attempting to balance its relations with both China and the United States. While the country seeks to protect its sovereignty and territorial integrity in the West Philippine Sea, it must also navigate the complex geopolitical landscape and avoid being caught in the middle of the US-China rivalry.

As the situation continues to unfold, it remains crucial for the Philippines to engage in diplomatic efforts to resolve the disputes peacefully while safeguarding its national interests. The international community will be closely watching the developments in the region, as the stability of the South China Sea has far-reaching implications for global security and economic prosperity.