MANILA – Sen. Leila de Lima wants the National Security Council (NSC) to convene over China’s continued militarization in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
De Lima filed Senate Resolution No. 744 urging President Rodrigo Duterte to immediately convene the NSC over the increasing militarization in the disputed territory.
The NSC is the principal advisory body on the proper coordination and integration of plans and policies affecting national security.
“Inaction or soft diplomatic actions are no longer options as the military activities of China over West Philippine Sea have placed the whole country under perpetual threat,” the lawmaker said.
She added that the President “should be presented all possible actions, including forceful diplomacy, close collaboration with allies, such as Australia, Japan, and the United States, renewed partnership with Indonesia, Vietnam, and other allies in ASEAN, and availment of other proper UN mechanisms.”
Reports from US media revealed that China deployed cruise ship missiles and surface on three islands in Spratly Islands.
On May 18, the Chinese military also landed bombers, including the top-of-the-line H-6K, on an outpost in the WPS.
“It is imperative that our government establish a clear policy over the militarization activities of China on the West Philippine Sea and, with the help of international community, pressure China to remove any and all facilities that threaten the security of our country and the ASEAN region,” De Lima said./PN
