Philippines: ‘China leave’ – Protesters rally against China on Independence Day
Protesters rallied in Makati on Philippines’ Independence Day on Wednesday, to denounce China’s presence in the country and the government’s stance on disputes in the South China Sea region.
Demonstrators marched towards the Chinese embassy, holding placards and chanting “China leave, the Philippines is ours.”
Human rights lawyer and activist Neri Colmenares addressed China saying, “The Filipino people do not want your presence in the country and your assertion of your territorial claims in the South China Sea, and the basis of your Nine-Dash Line has no basis in international law.”
Colmenares condemned Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s “very friendly” relationship with China, stressing that “who commits these acts, commits treasonous acts, in the generic sense, of course, is a traitor to his country.”
Philippines: ‘China leave’ – Protesters rally against China on Independence Day