MANILA: Protesters in Manila trampled on an effigy of Chinese president Xi Jinping on Tuesday as they condemned China’s “aggression” against the Philippines in the South China Sea.
The protesters marched towards the Chinese consulate in Manila, chanting “China leave!” while others called out China’s “aggression” against Filipino people in the South China Sea.
The Philippines and China have had a series of maritime run-ins, including an incident last month where China used water cannon to disrupt a Philippine supply mission to soldiers stationed on a grounded warship in the disputed Second Thomas Shoal.
“Our message is addressed to the Chinese government: move out of the West Philippine Sea, dismantle its illegal structures … recognise the 2016 arbitral tribunal ruling, and stop the harassment of Filipino fisher folk and … Philippine supply missions,” said Mong Palatino, one of the protest leaders.
SPONSORED CONTENT Sabah revenue hits RM6.97 billion: Hajiji says GRS State Government may see full term Kota Kinabalu: The Sabah Government continued its momentum in managing the economy in line with the commitment and spirit of the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) when it posted record high state revenue of RM6.973 billion last year. Read more China claims almost the entire South China Sea as its territory, policed by an armada of coastguard vessels, some more than 1,000km away from its mainland.
A 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration concluded that Beijing’s claim to almost the entire South China Sea was groundless, but China rejects that ruling.
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