Bayan Muna dares China to go to int’l court over West PH Sea claims

Video by Ryan Leagogo/INQUIRER.net

A militant group on Friday challenged the Chinese government to go to international tribunal if it has evidence to back its claim over the disputed islands in the West Philippine Sea.

But Bayan Muna Rep. Neri Colmenares said China is afraid to go to international tribunal because the “nine-dash line theory of China is without legal, historical and moral basis.”

“The Chinese aggression on the West Philippine Sea is a proof that China does not resort to the peaceful and amicable settlement of dispute and would rather use its bullying force over small countries like the Philippines,” Colmenares said.

Colmenares and members of Bayan Muna on Friday led a demonstration in front of the Chinese Embassy in Makati City to protest China’s reclamation activities over the gas-rich West Philippine Sea, which is part of the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone.

“If you have any evidence of your claim over the West Philippine Sea, go to the tribunal and show your evidence,” he said, adding:

“If you cannot prove your claim, you have no reason to be in the West Philippine Sea. Get out of the West Philippine Sea now.”

According to Colmenares, President Benigno Aquino III should fortify the Philippines’ position over the disputed areas to counter China’s aggressive acts.

“Ang aksyon ng gobyernong Aquino ay kulang kaya namamayagpag ang China (The actions of the Aquino government are lacking that’s why China is being aggressive),” he said, adding that Filipinos should defend their territory.

“[US] President Barack Obama’s statement on China’s expansion is a calculated response but the US would not risk a war with China because its economy would collapse without China,” Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Zarate said in a statement.

“All the US would do is posture that it would defend the Philippines but it will not,” he added.

“That is the hard and cold reality, so it is best that we build our strength and rely on our own resolve with the help of the international community to defend our sovereignty rather than enter into lopsided deals like the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement and the Visiting Forces Agreement.” RC