Philippine Coast Guard spokesman Commodore Jay Tarriela has urged Southeast Asian nations to unite against China’s aggressive actions in the South China Sea, particularly following a recent incident where Chinese maritime forces assaulted Vietnamese fishermen.
He condemned China’s behavior, stating that silence only enables unlawful activities by the China Coast Guard (CCG).
The assault, which occurred on September 29 near the Paracel Islands, involved ten Vietnamese fishermen being beaten and robbed by Chinese forces, prompting National Security Adviser Eduardo Año to describe it as an “unjustified assault” with no place in international relations.
Tarriela highlighted that such incidents reflect the increasing frustration of Vietnamese fishermen with China’s bullying tactics.
He also recalled incidents involving the CCG’s aggressive actions against Philippine vessels, reinforcing the need for a coordinated response to protect regional sovereignty and uphold international law.
Source: PhilNews24 | October 8, 2024
