📷: Chinese Coast Guard personnel were seen raising their national flag on a small sandbar within the contested waters of Sandy Cay, according to CCTV reports.
Former Deputy Minority Leader and Bayan Muna Partylist Congressman Carlos Isagani Zarate today sharply condemned the recent occupation of Sandy Cay by Chinese forces, describing it as a blatant violation of Philippine sovereignty and a gross affront to international law.
“The recent occupation of Sandy Cay by Chinese forces is a blatant act of aggression and a gross violation of international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS),” stated Zarate. “This highly provocative action serves only to escalate tensions in the West Philippine Sea and the broader South China Sea, further destabilizing the entire region.”
Zarate stressed the urgent need for a firm yet peaceful response, warning of the dangers of regional militarization. “China’s continued encroachment and militarization of our waters necessitate a firm and decisive response. While we advocate for a peaceful resolution, we cannot ignore the reality of China’s expansionist agenda. Their actions only contribute, unfortunately, to an unnecessary regional arms race that we have long sought to avoid.”
“Kinokondena natin ang walang-hiya at iligal na pag-okupa ng China sa Sandy Cay, na malinaw na bahagi ng ating Exclusive Economic Zone. Hindi natin papayagan ang ganitong pagsasamantala sa ating soberanya,” Zarate declared.
The former Bayan Muna lawmaker demanded the immediate and unconditional withdrawal of Chinese forces from Sandy Cay and other illegally occupied areas within the Philippine EEZ. “We demand the immediate and unconditional withdrawal of all Chinese forces from Sandy Cay and all other illegally occupied territories within the Philippine EEZ. Any further infringement upon our sovereignty and territorial integrity is unacceptable,” he emphasized.
At the same time, Zarate cautioned against the Philippines falling into the trap of another superpower rivalry. He warned, “Habang dapat tayong magkaisa laban sa panghihimasok ng China, dapat din tayong maging mapagmatyag sa paggamit ng ibang mga dayuhang kapangyarihan, kabilang ang Estados Unidos, para sa kanilang sariling hegemonikong interes. Ang West Philippine Sea ay hindi dapat gawing larangan ng digmaan ng mga imperyalista.”
“We must prioritize diplomacy and multilateral cooperation over unilateral actions that only exacerbate tensions,” Zarate said. “The South China Sea must not become a battleground for competing superpowers. We must ensure that it remains a sea of peace, cooperation, and mutual respect.”
Finally, Zarate called on the international community to act decisively. “We call upon the community of nations and the United Nations to uphold international law and work collectively to establish the South China Sea as a Zone of Peace. This requires a commitment from all parties to resolve disputes peacefully, respect the sovereignty of all nations, and prioritize the stability and security of the region.”#
