MANILA, Philippines – After China’s show of military might during the 70th anniversary of Japan’s defeat in the World War II, the Philippine’s Department of National Defense (DND) called on the Asian giant to “show its sincerity” in fighting for peace.
While the DND welcomed the Chinese leadership’s pronouncement of its supposed commitment to peace, the agency questioned China’s “display of offensive weaponry.” (READ: China lauds power, proclaims peace at military spectacular)
The department said China should stop its ongoing construction and militarization activities and remove restrictions on freedom of flight and navigation in the contested waters of the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea).
“The Chinese leadership should go beyond deceitful rhetoric claiming peaceful efforts before all their aggression takes a greater and irreparable toll on the region and beyond. We have heard peace-loving Chinese people living in many communities all over the world echoing this sentiment,” DND spokesman Peter Paul Galvez said on Sunday, September 6.
Other countries have also urged the Chinese government to halt its activities in the disputed waters and territories.
The Philippines said these activities are causing a major disruption in the security of the Southeast Asian region, as well as environmental degradation.
“We reiterate our country's incessant call for a rules-based and peaceful approach to this matter which is shared not only by our neighbors in the region but by the rest of the international community,” Galvez said.
The Philippines is now awaiting the decision of the Permanent Court of Arbitration in Netherlands on its jurisdiction on the issue.
Philippine Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr earlier said Manila is "following its position of seeking a rules-based, diplomatic and peaceful solution."
But Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said China opposed the arbitration, as the country insisted on bilateral talks.
Still, in an interview with Rappler, Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio of the Philippine Supreme Court said China would be forced "one way or another" to comply with the tribunal's ruling. He expects the ruling to favor the Philippines. (READ: China, like US in old case, will comply with ruling – SC justice) – Rappler.com