Senator Kiko Pangilinan on Thursday, January 2, called on China to respect the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ) under international law, amid rising tensions over Beijing’s recent military exercises near Taiwan.

In an online statement addressed to the Chinese Embassy in Manila, Pangilinan said he respects the One China Policy but insisted that China should likewise respect the Philippines’ 500,000 square kilometers of EEZ under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

He criticized China’s claim to nearly 90 percent of the West Philippine Sea as “ridiculous and illegal.”

“To borrow the American saying, ‘If you can dish it out, you should learn to take it,’” Pangilinan said.

“We respect China’s view that Taiwan is part of China, but China should respect our position that the Philippines’ EEZ is not part of China. For that matter, we are not and will never be a province of China.”

Pangilinan also reminded China of the Philippines’ 1991 decision to reject the RP-US Bases Treaty, asserting that no world superpower can intimidate the country.

“We respect the Chinese people, but we will never bow down to Xi Jinping’s illegal policy claims in the region. NEVER,” he said.

The statement came after the Chinese Embassy in Manila criticized Pangilinan’s remarks on Beijing’s military drills near Taiwan, saying his comments contradicted the Philippines’ commitment to the One China Policy.

Pangilinan had earlier condemned the two-day drills, which took place on December 29 and 30, for creating “ill-will” during a period meant for goodwill among Taiwan, Filipino residents, and the broader East and Southeast Asia region.

The exercises involved missile launches, fighter jet deployments, navy ships, and coast guard vessels, simulating a blockade of key ports.

The embassy responded that Taiwan is an inseparable part of China and called the issue an internal affair that should not be subject to external interference.