EU, 23 nations condemn China's WPS aggression

Cagayan de Oro City 2nd district Rep. Rufus Rodriguez highlighted the condemnation by lawmakers from the European Union and 23 other nations against China's aggressive actions in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

This condemnation was issued by the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China (IPAC), a group formed to counter China's growing global influence.

Rodriguez, along with Zamboanga del Norte Rep. Adrian Michael Amatong, were the Filipino lawmakers who signed the IPAC statement.

The IPAC statement specifically condemned the Chinese Coast Guard's aggressive behavior around the Spratly Islands and its attempts to enforce illegal 'no trespass' rules at Second Thomas Shoal.

Lawmakers noted that China's actions lack legal basis, contradicting the 2016 arbitral ruling that recognized the shoal within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone.

The alliance expressed concern that China seems intent on escalating the situation, disrupting Filipino operations, and risking conflict.

The IPAC lauded the Armed Forces of the Philippines for their restraint amidst provocations and urged their respective governments to condemn China's disregard for international rulings.

Finally, the alliance called for solidarity with the Philippines in the face of persistent aggressive intrusions from Chinese authorities.