September 2, 2024 – The Stratbase ADR Institute deplores the Chinese Coast Guard vessel’s deliberate ramming and collision of Philippine Coast Guard vessel BRP Teresa Magbanua in Escoda Shoal last August 31.
China’s actions are dangerous, irresponsible, and reckless. It not only caused significant damage to our vessel, but gravely endangered the lives of those onboard. This kind of behavior has no place in our rules-based order.
Moreover, China’s claim that it “exercises indisputable sovereignty” in the West Philippine Sea is false and without basis. It is an act of desperation because the matter has been, in fact, settled. Chinese behavior, including repeated incursions of its vessels into Philippine territory, unprovoked aggression, and the propagation of disinformation, are clear violations of international law.
The Institute condemns China’s actions in the West Philippine Sea. We call on China to behave responsibly and adhere to its obligations under international law, including the 2016 Arbitral Award, in both the maritime space and airspace. It is the responsibility of all nations to ensure the peace, security, and stability of the Indo-Pacific.
The Philippines, as a maritime nation supported by friends and partners, will not back down in the face of this aggression. The Institute underpins the importance of reinforcing alliances and elevating partnerships through joint patrols and exercises to respond to threats posed by antagonistic states like China. This initiative is supported by three out of five Filipinos as revealed by the Stratbase ADR Institute-commissioned Social Weather Stations survey in July 2024.
The Institute champions the continuity of all efforts, such as joint patrols, escorts to resupply missions, and external defense capacity building with like-minded partners, to exercise our country’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and economic rights in the West Philippine Sea.
Prof. Victor Andres “Dindo” Manhit
President
Stratbase ADR Institute
