Patrolling in Philippines marine region will not stop, Filipino President repri

Manila/Beijing: Filipino President Rodrigo Duterte reprimanded China in clear words, ‘There cannot be any compromise on the Filipino marine region. Therefore, the patrolling in this marine region by the Philippines navy and coast guard will not stop.’ Since the last few days, the Philippines has started patrolling in this region and has even held exercises. Expressing annoyance over the Philippines’ actions, China had asked the Philippines to stop these activities immediately. But the Filipino defence ministry lashed out, ‘China need not tell us what to do in our marine region.’

China has flatly refused to withdraw the fleet of more than 200 militia ships deployed in the Filipino marine region. China claims that the deployment of these militia ships in this region is justified. Wang Wenbin, the spokesman of the Chinese foreign ministry, suggested that instead, the Philippines should respect the Chinese sovereignty and rights and stop its activities in this sector.

Wang had claimed while talking to a US news channel that China has rights also on the Spratly, Pag-asa and Scarborough islands in the eastern Philippines Sea. Filipino defence department had criticised China, saying that these islands are in the Philippines marine region.

In 2016, as per the international court’s decision, the Philippines had rights over the concerned marine sector, and the Philippines reminded China to build artificial islands in the Filipino marine region. Therefore, the Filipino defence ministry had lashed out at China, saying that China has nothing to do with what the Philippines does in its marine area.

President Duterte also reiterated the warning that the patrolling by the Filipino navy and coast guard will not stop. President Duterte warned, ‘The Philippines is indebted to China for assistance in trade and even during the Corona crisis. But the Philippines cannot trade sovereignty of its marine region for it. We neither want a dispute nor a war with China. But the Philippines will not withdraw from the region.’

A few days ago, President Duterte announced no other option but a bloody war against China to regain the marine region acquired by China. At the same time, President Duterte also indicated seeking military assistance from the United States for the security and sovereignty of its maritime region. After that, US warships had visited the Philippines.