Mamamayang Liberal Party-list Representative Leila de Lima has issued a scathing rebuke against Beijing, targeting a recent South Pacific ballistic missile test and new territorial assertions over Batanes by Chinese academics.
The House senior deputy minority leader characterized the dual developments as a dangerous escalation of regional friction and state-sponsored propaganda.
”China’s recent action reaches a new level of arrogance and of spreading disinformation and propaganda in asserting what is not theirs,” De Lima stated. “It also demonstrate a lack of sincerity in genuinely resolving issues in the region.”
The former justice secretary lambasted the missile launch as a reckless demonstration of force.
”Launching a ballistic missile into the Pacific just to brag their military power, without any regard for the geo-political tensions it may trigger in the region, is highly inconsiderate. We strongly condemn this self-aggrandizing act,” she said.
De Lima voiced equal outrage over reports that Chinese scholars at a symposium laid claim to the northern island province of Batanes, framing it as an extension of Chinese-controlled territory.
”At hindi pa nakuntento sa pag-angkin sa ating teritoryo sa West Philippine Sea (WPS), pati Batanes, tsinitsismis na rin ng Chinese scholars na bahagi raw ng teritoryo ng China. Nuknukan ng pagkagarapal at kasinungalingan ang ganitong pahayag.”
To counter these provocations, the veteran lawmaker pressed the Philippine government to take a firmer, more proactive stance on national sovereignty while deepening strategic defense ties with international partners.
”It is all the more important that we continue to assert our sovereign rights, pursue a more pro-active and assertive stance in defending what is ours, and engage with our regional allies to enforce the law of the sea and uphold a rules-based international order,” De Lima emphasized.
Reaffirming the country’s legal boundaries, she concluded with a stark dismissal of Beijing’s intimidation tactics:
”What is ours is supported by our Constitution and by international law. This cannot be erased by an entitled bully who displays its might by harassing, threatening and intimidating others.”