Mariing kinondena ni Senador Risa Hontiveros ang bagong polisiya ng China na huhulihin umano nila ang mga “trespasser” sa West Philippine Sea (WPS).

Matatandaang kamakailan lamang ay naglabas ang China Coast Guard (CCG) ng polisiyang nagpapahintulot na arestuhin ang mga umano’y trespasser sa katubigang inaangkin nila.

“China’s new policy only affirms her emerging reputation as a rogue nation,” pag-alma naman ni Hontiveros sa isang pahayag nitong Linggo, Mayo 19.

“The Atin Ito civilian mission - a rightful and peaceful show of solidarity - clearly hit a nerve for China. But instead of responding like a dignified country, she resorts to this tyrannical tactic that will only escalate tensions even further,” dagdag niya.

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Ayon pa sa senadora, kung maglalakas-loob daw ang Beijing na ituloy ang naturang “iligal na regulasyon,” maaaring mapilitan ang Pilipinas na muli silang idemanda sa Hague Tribunal.

“In the meantime, as advised by former Supreme Court Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio, the Philippine government must now urge allies such as the US, Japan, Australia, France, and other like-minded nations to oppose this flagrant violation of international law by joining our patrols within our Exclusive Economic Zone,” ani Hontiveros.

“China better abrogate this shameless policy. China better stop inciting violence in our waters. China better leave the West Philippine Sea alone,” saad pa niya.

Matatandaang taong 2016 nang paboran ng international arbitral tribunal ruling ang Pilipinas kaysa sa China na nang-aangkin sa mayorya ng South China Sea, batay raw sa kanilang nine-dash line map.