By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers did not mince words on Thursday (November 21, 2024) when he criticized China for being globally known for manufacturing counterfeit products—from food and drugs to various consumer goods—and flooding Asian markets, including those of its allied nations.
Barbers also pointed out China’s growing covert tactics to establish and maintain a permanent presence in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), using its Coast Guard and Navy personnel.
“Before and even now, China has been notorious for producing fake products that it sells in our markets. Now, they are deploying fake fishing boats—disguised as fishing vessels—manned by Chinese Coast Guard or Navy personnel, which are stationed in the WPS,” Barbers said.
“This report came to light after our Defense chief, Gibo Teodoro, revealed it following his recent visit to Palawan with his U.S. counterpart,” he added.
Barbers also speculated that China may have deployed military personnel disguised as Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) workers to conduct surveillance and other military activities throughout the country.
“There is nothing new about China’s deceptive tactics,” Barbers continued, citing their self-drawn 9-dash and 11-dash territorial lines, which, according to the Hague-based United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), have “no basis in law and are without legal effect.”
He also criticized China’s refusal to respect international law and the territorial rights of the Philippines and other countries claiming parts of the WPS. China continues to intrude into the Philippines’ exclusive 200-mile economic zone, as defined by UNCLOS.
“The ruling by the Hague-based tribunal, under UNCLOS, declared that China’s claim of historic rights in the West Philippine Sea has no legal basis and is without effect,” Barbers added.
He emphasized that the 135-member UNCLOS has upheld the Philippines’ sovereign rights and jurisdiction over its exclusive economic zone.
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