Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada urged the Chinese government to immediately stop its clear act of aggression and adhere to international law.
He said the recent incident on the harassment of China Air Force against a Philippine aircraft is a blatant violation of international aviation safety standards and the rights of all nations to carry out lawful maritime operations.
The dropping of flares in the path of the Philippine Air Force’s NC-212i, Estrada stressed, is an affront to our sovereignty.
“We will not be intimidated. We will continue to defend our sovereignty with resolve and determination while remaining committed to upholding the rule of law and promoting peace in the region,” Estrada added, as the chairperson of the Senate Committee on National Defense.
He said the Philippines has always advocated for peaceful and diplomatic solutions to territorial disputes with China and this incident undermines our efforts in de-escalating unnecessary tensions.
“The People’s Liberation Army Air Force’s reckless and provocative actions against our Philippine Air Force aircraft conducting lawful maritime patrols over Scarborough Shoal are unacceptable.”
He noted that China must be met with firm and decisive condemnation from the international community.
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