AKBAYAN on Wednesday called for the expulsion of China’s ambassador to the Philippines and the imposition of a reciprocal travel ban on China’s defense minister after Philippine Navy personnel were seriously injured in what the party described as the latest and most dangerous escalation of Chinese aggression in the West Philippine Sea.
The Philippine government must ensure that China’s latest attack carries real diplomatic consequences by expelling the Chinese ambassador and imposing a reciprocal travel ban on China’s defense minister following Beijing’s sanctions against Defense Secretary Gilbert “Gibo” Teodoro Jr. and his family,” Akbayan President Rafaela David said.
“China cannot expect business as usual while its agents are violently attacking Filipinos in our own waters. Every act of state-sponsored aggression must come with a corresponding cost,” said David, who is also a co-convenor of Atin Ito Coalition.
“We stand firmly behind our brave sailors, coast guard personnel, and fisherfolk who continue to defend our seas despite relentless harassment and violence. China may wield bigger ships and wooden clubs, but it will never beat the Filipino people into surrender. The West Philippine Sea is ours, and no amount of intimidation will ever change that,” David said.
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