The Stratbase Institute has issued a strong condemnation of the latest aggressive actions by the China Coast Guard against Philippine research vessels, describing the acts as “unacceptable” and a “direct threat” to Filipino personnel operating within the country’s own territorial waters.
According to the Institute, the unprovoked interference with Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) vessels represents a “blatant disregard” for Philippine sovereignty and territorial integrity. The incident, they noted, highlights China’s continued defiance of international norms, specifically the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the landmark 2016 Arbitral Award that invalidated Beijing’s expansive claims.
Stratbase emphasized the broader political and diplomatic significance of the event, warning that such actions undermine the rules-based international order and jeopardize regional peace. The think tank called on the Philippine government to assert its sovereign rights with unwavering resolve and to strengthen partnerships with like-minded states to uphold maritime security.
Citing President Marcos Jr. ‘s commitment not to yield “a single square inch of our territory,” Stratbase urged continued diplomatic firmness and adherence to international law in addressing China’s provocations in the West Philippine Sea.
