The Philippine business community has expressed concern over the harassment of the country’s military, following a recent clash between navy personnel and the Chinese coast guard in the disputed South China Sea. In a joint statement issued on Friday, groups including the Makati Business Club and the Management Association of the Philippines called for a peaceful resolution that respects the Philippines’ rights as a peace-loving nation.
The business organizations also urged the government to prioritize measures to modernize the country’s military and coastguard, and to make them self-reliant. They condemned the continued harassment of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine Coast Guard, and Filipino people who are just trying to make a living.
The dispute centers around territorial claims in two shoals in the South China Sea: Scarborough Shoal and Second Thomas Shoal, both located within Manila’s exclusive economic zone. Despite being rejected by an international court in 2016, China continues to assert its control over most of these waters.
In response to criticism from foreign ministry officials, China defended its actions as lawful, professional, and beyond reproach. However, this did not prevent injuries to a navy sailor during a routine resupply mission. The incident highlighted ongoing tensions between China and neighboring countries over territorial disputes in Asia-Pacific waters.
