MANILA: China is the “largest disruptor” of peace in Southeast Asia, the Philippine defence chief mentioned on Tuesday (Aug 27), as tensions between Manila and Beijing over disputed reefs and waters within the South China Sea escalate.
Gilberto Teodoro made the remarks at a convention of the US Indo-Pacific Command after repeated confrontations between Philippine and Chinese language vessels within the waterway over the previous 12 months.
Beijing claims virtually the whole thing of the ocean, brushing apart rival claims by different nations, together with the Philippines, and a world ruling that its stance has no authorized foundation.
China’s claims embrace reefs and waters contained in the Philippines’ Unique Financial Zone, which extends about 370km from the nation’s coastal waters.
“China … is the most important disruptor of worldwide peace within the ASEAN area,” Teodoro mentioned, referring to the Affiliation of Southeast Asian Nations.
China deploys boats to patrol the busy waterway and has constructed synthetic islands that it has militarised to bolster its claims.
Talking to reporters, Teodoro urged different nations to name out China’s “unlawful acts” till it yields to stress to cease its actions.
“We want a collective consensus and a robust name out towards China,” mentioned Teodoro.
“We’re struggling towards a extra highly effective adversary.”
