On Friday, Philippine business groups spoke out against the recent harassment of the country’s military following a clash between navy personnel and the Chinese coast guard in the disputed South China Sea. In a joint statement, the groups, which include the Makati Business Club and the Management Association of the Philippines, called for unity towards a peaceful resolution that upholds the nation’s rights.
The organizations did not explicitly mention China in their statement but emphasized the need for urgent measures to modernize the country’s military and coastguard. They condemned the ongoing harassment of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), and civilians who are simply trying to make a living.
The clash occurred during a routine resupply mission to the Second Thomas Shoal, within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone in the South China Sea. The Philippine foreign ministry criticized China’s actions as illegal and aggressive, while China defended its measures as lawful and professional.
China’s expansive claims in the South China Sea have been a source of tension with neighboring countries, as
