EDITORIAL

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CHINA has built anti-aircraft weapons and other arms installation in all seven artificial islands it has built in the West Philippine Sea, reported the Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative. This militarist action is causing unnecessary tension in the area and must be condemned.
This is highly deplorable as it further militarizes an already militarized maritime zone. It raises the stakes for a potential regional dispute as US President-elect Donald Trump claimed he is ready to confront Beijing on territorial issues.
What is worse though is that this was done despite President Xi Jinping’s pledge not to militarize the islands in the Spratly archipelago. It will only worsen the already tense situation and encourage further hegemonic actions from the US in the contested waters.
There should be a stop to these militarist activities both from China and the US because it would be very disadvantageous to the region and its people if this situation escalates. The international community must step in and pressure China to de-escalate the situation in the West Philippine Sea and stop militarizing the area.
In addition to the international support against China’s provocative acts, the administration of President Duterte must initiate further diplomatic moves to strengthen our own claims and fortify our positions, even as we engage China in mutually beneficial bilateral or multilateral talks.
China reclaimed and installed weapon systems to our reefs such as the Panganiban (Mischief), Mabini (Johnson South), Gavin (Gaven), Calderon (Cuarteron), Hughes (Kennan), Malvar (Eldad) and Kagitingan (Fiery Cross) Reefs and this should be stopped. Every Filipino here or abroad should defend our territory, our exclusive economic zones, our national sovereignty.
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