US lawmakers stand with Phl vs Chinese sea aggression

Visiting US lawmakers expressed their concern over China's continued aggression in Philippine waters during their meeting with President Marcos at Malacañang yesterday.

- HELEN FLORES

 

"We share your concern about China's aggression with regard to many issues around the Philippines. We stand with you and we want to continue to stand by you, and with you, and to push that aggression back appropriately," Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, who led the US congressional delegation, told Marcos during their courtesy call.

The Philippines strongly protested the latest attempt on March 23 by China coast guard and maritime militia to stop a rotation and resupply mission for troops on the BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal using water cannons.

The US congressional delegation arrived yesterday to discuss Philippines relations, as well as "promotion of regional peace and security through enhanced defense and security cooperation and economic cooperation," among others, with the President, Malacañang said in a statement.

Marcos cited the importance of the US lawmakers' two-day visit, noting that they're "coming in the middle of your rather topsy-turvy political cycle."