Business leaders back call for China to leave Julian Felipe Reef

Filipino business leaders have backed calls for China to withdraw its vessels from Julian Felipe Reef in the West Philippine Sea.

The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Management Association of the Philippines, Makati Business Club, and other groups issued a joint statement supporting Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and other government officials.

They emphasized that Julian Felipe Reef is undisputed Philippine territory based on historical claims and international law, and urged China to respect sovereignty and refrain from imperial ambitions.