Protesters in Manila gathered to demonstrate against China’s actions in the South China Sea. They trampled on an effigy of Chinese President Xi Jinping and marched towards the Chinese consulate, shouting slogans demanding China to leave the Philippines alone. The protestors specifically condemned China’s aggression against Filipino people in the disputed region. The tensions between the Philippines and China have escalated in recent years, with incidents such as China using water cannons to disrupt Philippine supply missions to soldiers stationed on a grounded warship in the Second Thomas Shoal.
One of the protest leaders, Mong Palatino, delivered a message to the Chinese government, urging them to move out of the West Philippine Sea, dismantle illegal structures, recognize the 2016 arbitral tribunal ruling, and stop harassing Filipino fisherfolk and Philippine supply missions. China claims almost the entire South China Sea as its territory, deploying coastguard vessels even far away from its mainland. Despite a 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration stating that Beijing’s claim was baseless, China continues to reject the ruling and assert its dominance in the region.
The tensions in the South China Sea have been ongoing for years, with various countries laying claim to different parts of the disputed waters. The Philippines, along with other Southeast Asian nations, have been at odds with China over its aggressive actions in asserting control over the region. The Philippines has been vocal in opposing China’s expansionist policies, especially in areas that the Philippines also claims as its own territory. The Philippines has sought international arbitration to resolve the disputes but has faced resistance from China in accepting the rulings.
The recent protest in Manila reflects the heightened emotions and frustrations among Filipino people towards China’s actions in the South China Sea. The protestors’ actions, including trampling on an effigy of Xi Jinping and chanting anti-China slogans, signify the growing resistance against Chinese aggression in the region. The protest leaders’ message to the Chinese government to respect international law and cease their harassment of Filipino fishermen and supply missions highlights the urgent need for a peaceful resolution to the territorial disputes in the South China Sea.
The Philippines, as a smaller country compared to China, has sought support from the international community, including the United States and other allies, to counter China’s influence in the South China Sea. The Philippines has also strengthened its naval capabilities and partnerships with other countries to protect its territorial integrity and maritime interests. Despite the challenges posed by China’s assertiveness, the Philippines remains committed to upholding international law and seeking a peaceful resolution to the territorial disputes in the region.
In conclusion, the protest in Manila against China’s aggression in the South China Sea underscores the growing tensions and concerns over the territorial disputes in the region. The Philippines and other Southeast Asian nations continue to resist China’s expansionist policies and call for international support to address the challenges posed by China’s actions. The protest highlights the importance of upholding international law and fostering diplomatic efforts to resolve conflicts in the South China Sea, ensuring peace and stability in the region.
