A well-known member of the House of Representatives has accused China of bullying the Philippines and its neighbors unfairly in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), pointing to China’s expansionist ambitions and persistent harassment of these countries.
“China demands respect for its self-drawn nine-dash and eleven-dash lines but refuses to respect the Philippines’ 200-mile exclusive economic zone,” said Rep. Robert Ace Barbers, who has the dual roles of quad committee chairperson and chairman of the House committee on dangerous drugs.
Barbers highlighted China’s disregard for the 2016 arbitral ruling under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which invalidated Beijing’s claims in the WPS. He described China’s conduct as “expansionist” and accused it of interfering with Philippine laws and policies.
His remarks came in response to China’s protests over two newly signed maritime laws by President Marcos, Republic Acts 12064 and 12065, which reinforce the Philippines’ rights over its maritime zones.
Barbers noted incidents of “bullying,” including China’s use of water cannons, ramming of Philippine vessels, and attempts to intimidate and obstruct the Philippines from asserting its sovereignty. “China’s actions continue to show a lack of respect for international law and our rights in the West Philippine Sea,” he added.
The congressman reaffirmed the Philippines’ commitment to upholding its sovereign rights in the WPS, referencing the UNCLOS ruling, which declared China’s historical claims as having “no basis in law and without legal effect.”
Despite China’s objections, President Marcos remains resolute in defending the country’s sovereignty, asserting that the new laws will help secure the Philippines’ maritime zones.
In contrast, China urged the Philippines to “respect China’s territorial sovereignty and maritime rights,” refrain from unilateral actions, and contribute to peace and stability in the South China Sea.
