Around 20 activists Monday held a protest at the gates of the Chinese Consulate in Philippines to demand Beijing give up territories whose sovereignty is disputed by both countries in the South China Sea.
The protesters, members of human rights group GABRIELA and trade union Bayan held up large posters saying "China, hands off Philippines," "China get out of Philippine waters" and "China are liars," both in Chinese and in English according to an epa journalist.
The protest, devoid of any violence, took place a day before the Permanent Court of Arbitration, or PCA, at The Hague announced its judgment on the territorial conflict between Manila and Beijing in the South China Sea.
Philippines in 2013 filed a complaint before the PCA saying that China, which had begun its expansion in several areas of the region, was occupying territories that belonged to the Philippine exclusive economic zone, but Beijing refused to participate in the process.
The dispute centers around the Scarborough atoll and part of the Spratly Islands - a group of more than 750 reefs, islets, atolls and cays whose total or partial sovereignty is also being claimed by Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan and Vietnam.
Tension in South China Sea has increased in recent years with governments trading constant accusations and a rise in Chinese military presence in the area.
Philippines has also signed strategic agreements with the United States, Japan and Vietnam to counter China's presence in the area.
Although Washington maintains a neutral position in the conflict, the U.S. and Philippines are allies, and armed forces of both countries have participated in several joint training activities near the Spratly Islands.
Source: EFE
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