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Hontiveros: Marcos should speak 'clearly, unequivocally' to China about maritime issues
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. expressed hope that Chinese President Xi Jinping would be informed about the incident where the Chinese coast guard allegedly drove away Filipino fishers near Ayungin Shoal.
This incident occurred weeks after Marcos and Xi Jinping agreed to a compromise during Marcos' visit to Beijing, but a compromise has yet to be reached allowing Filipinos to fish in the West Philippine Sea.
The Philippines has utilized a direct communication mechanism, proposed by Marcos, to address the issue and report the incident to the Chinese government.
Marcos stated that this mechanism allows for immediate contact with the Chinese government and hopes it will bring the matter to Xi's attention.
Senator Risa Hontiveros urged President Marcos Jr. to speak clearly and unequivocally to China regarding maritime issues in the West Philippine Sea.
Hontiveros stated that Marcos needs to develop the courage to speak clearly so that China can hear and understand him.
The incident involved a Chinese coast guard vessel and a speedboat reportedly expelling Filipino fishermen from waters near Ayungin Shoal.
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President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. clarified that the Philippines and China have an agreement, not a partnership, concerning Filipino fishermen's access to fishing grounds in the South China Sea.
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President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. stated that the Philippines will not relinquish its claims on the West Philippine Sea, emphasizing this as a non-negotiable stance.
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President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. expressed deep concern that the escalating tensions in the South China Sea are a constant worry, stating that the situation "keeps him up at night, keeps you up in the day, keeps you up most of the time."
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The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) affirmed that Filipinos have the right to fish in Ayungin Shoal, which falls within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and continental shelf.
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President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. stated that the Philippines is actively seeking strategies to prevent being caught in the geopolitical crossfire between the United States and China.
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