Akbayan Youth Takes Firm Stand Against China's Maritime Aggression
In a powerful statement issued on January 26, 2026, the Akbayan Youth organization has taken a definitive position against what they describe as repeated violations of Philippine sovereignty by China. The youth group, led by National Chairperson Khylla Meneses, has expressed strong condemnation of China's actions in the West Philippine Sea, characterizing them as audacious and unacceptable.
China's Embassy Response Called Audacious and Unacceptable
The statement comes in response to recent pushback from the Chinese embassy following criticism from Senator Risa Hontiveros. Akbayan Youth has labeled China's diplomatic response as nothing short of audacious, particularly given what they describe as China's long-standing pattern of behavior as a bad guest in Philippine waters.
What truly crosses the line, according to the youth organization, is China's systematic militarization and large-scale resource extraction within the Philippines' Exclusive Economic Zone. They emphasize that Philippine sovereignty should never serve as a stage for political games or foreign aggression.
Clear Violations of International Law and Filipino Rights
The organization has outlined several specific concerns regarding China's activities in the West Philippine Sea:
- Dangerous maneuvers and intentional ramming against Philippine Coast Guard vessels
- Water cannon attacks targeting Philippine government ships
- Harassment of Filipino fishermen going about their livelihood
- Swarming tactics by maritime militia vessels
- Construction of artificial islands in disputed waters
Akbayan Youth asserts that these actions represent clear violations of the 2016 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) Arbitral Award, which ruled in favor of the Philippines' maritime claims.
Demanding Accountability and Respect for Sovereignty
The youth organization has criticized China's demand for clarification from Philippine officials, calling it a blatant violation of the Vienna Convention and a transparent attempt to intimidate those who are merely reporting factual violations in Philippine waters.
China has no right to act like a bully in the Philippines and disrespect officials who are simply defending our sovereignty, the statement declares in both English and Filipino, emphasizing the organization's firm stance against what they perceive as intimidation tactics.
Akbayan Youth believes that demands for explanation should be directed at China itself, not at Philippine officials who are performing their duty to protect national interests. They assert that both the Filipino youth and the international community deserve answers about China's aggressive actions in the region.
Call for Government Action and Peaceful Resolution
The organization is urging the Philippine government to take stronger action in response to these violations. They specifically call for:
- Firm upholding of the 2016 UNCLOS Arbitral Award
- Holding foreign actors accountable for their actions
- Ensuring that any dialogue begins with respect for Philippine sovereignty
Akbayan Youth emphasizes that their accounts of Chinese violations are not smears or slanders as China has claimed, but rather factual reports backed by official evidence. They vow to continue defending the West Philippine Sea through peaceful means, factual reporting, and without fear of intimidation.
The statement concludes with a reaffirmation of the Filipino people's commitment to protecting their maritime territory and resources, while calling for international support in upholding the rule of law in the South China Sea region.
