Hundreds of Chinese maritime militia boats intrude into Philippines waters -

Manila: Since the last two weeks, 220 Chinese militia boats have intruded into the Philippines marine limits. This is the first reaction coming from Philippines after so many days of intrusions. Philippines Defence Minister Delfin Lorenzana demanded, ‘China should immediately stop the intrusion violating the sovereign rights of the Philippines and recall all its boats and ships from the region.’ It is claimed that this Chinese intrusion is an attempt to pressurise the Duterte government in Philippines.

Since the 7th of March, 220 Chinese ships are anchored in the limits of the Julian Philip island of Philippines. Philippines government is accusing that these boats have military trained Chinese militia. Philippines has the rights over this island, which lies 175 nautical miles from the Palwan province in Philippines. Although, China has carried out this intrusion two weeks ago, this is the first time, Philippines has given a reaction to it.

Philippines Foreign Minister Theodore Locsin adopted a noncommittal stand saying, ‘We will talk to China if the military officials complain.’ Philippines Defence Minister Lorenzana criticised the Chinese intrusion on Sunday. Defence Minister Lorenzana also blamed that China had violated the Philippines’ marine rights by sending militia ships in this marine region. Lorenzana appealed that China should stop militarisation of this region and withdraw the militia boats immediately.

China has not given any reaction on the Philippines’ statements. Also, the Chinese boats were present in the region even on Sunday. Five years ago, the international court had accused China of starting militarisation of the Philippines’ marine region and suggested that China withdraw from the region. But China did not care for the decision of the international court. Whereas the political opponents of President Duterte, who took over as President of Philippines, in 2016, are accusing him of a liberal stand against China. The opponents claim that President Duterte is unwilling to oppose China to derive benefits from Chinese investments for infrastructure projects and trade.