MEMBERS of the Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD) condemn in the strongest possible terms the illegal and blatant actions of the China Coast Guard and the Chinese maritime militia last October 22, 2023 in the waters near the vicinity of the Ayungin Shoal.
In that incident, a Chinese Coast Guard vessel hit and bumped a Philippine Navy contracted boat ferrying supplies to BRP Sierra Madre while another vessel of the Chinese maritime militia also bumped the Philippine Coast Guard vessel MRRV Cabra.
In a statement released by Lakas-CMD, it said actions seriously endangered the lives and safety of Filipinos on board said vessels. The illegal and dangerous maneuvers of the Chinese vessels clearly violated the international conventions on the prevention of collisions at seas.
Furthermore, the reckless and aggressive behavior of the Chinese vessels occured in waters within the 200 nautical mile Exclusive Economic Zone of the Philippines based on the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). China’s continuing intrusion and aggressive stance constitutes a stark affront to our nation’s sovereign rights over our waters and pose a direct threat to Filipino lives. Actions that undermine regional and global peace and cooperation are incompatible with the principles of a free and harmonious international community.
