China has described the latest civilian mission of the Atin Ito Coalition as an “infringement of territorial sovereignty.”
Aside from delivering aid, the mission featured a “patriotic jetski flag ride” near Pag-asa Island, where participants waved the Philippine flag as a peaceful assertion of presence in the area.
According to Chinese Embassy Deputy Spokesperson Guo Wei, Pag-asa Cay 2 is part of China’s Nansha Islands and is considered an uninhabited reef. He said the presence of Filipino civilians in the area constitutes a violation of China’s territorial sovereignty and breaches provisions of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea.
Wei added that China will continue to take lawful measures to safeguard its sovereignty and uphold the sanctity of the DOC.
Meanwhile, Atin Ito co-convenor and mission commander Rafaela David declared the fourth civilian mission a success, saying they were able to deliver supplies to residents, conduct the jetski activity, and even plant the Philippine flag on Pag-asa Cay 2.
She said this demonstrates that the area is an integral part of Philippine territory.
David also dismissed China’s actions as an attempt to intimidate, saying the group continued its activities despite the presence of Chinese vessels in the area.
In response to China’s statements, she maintained that Pag-asa Island is part of the Philippines and is administered by the local government of Kalayaan.
She stressed that the Philippines is acting within the law, while accusing China of illegal occupation and of failing to comply with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the 2016 Arbitral Award in favor of the Philippines.
(PHOTO COURTESY: ATIN ITO)
