Time for stronger stance against China

The Philippines faces increasing maritime aggression from China in the West Philippine Sea. Diplomatic protests and peaceful actions have proven ineffective in curbing China’s assertive behavior. Unlike China, the Philippines upholds principles of good behavior and international law.

Recent international condemnation of China’s actions, notably from the United States and other major nations, underscores the need for the Philippines to seek support from the global community. The Philippines should leverage its moral high ground, strengthen its stance, and engage in peaceful, diplomatic actions on the international stage to protect its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

For numerous years, we’ve strived to maintain a reasonable approach, even going so far as to appease Beijing, largely due to the actions of the previous administration. However, all these efforts, along with the hundreds of diplomatic protests, have only strengthened the resolve of Chinese leaders to further disregard Philippine rights.

With the support of our unwavering democratic allies in the Western countries, the Philippines now possesses the moral authority to reveal China’s true nature: an aggressive entity more interested in pursuing dominance than fostering friendly neighborly relations.

EZEKIEL MANAOIS