The group is composed of Filipino nationalists, who wanted to target Chinese interests in the country. Retaliation for Beijing’s "imperialist" policies in the South China Sea. China calls for security guarantees. But another version speaks of a secret paramilitary organization, in opposition to the Aquino government.

Manila (AsiaNews / Agencies) - The three men arrested by Philippine security forces during an foiled attempt to bomb the Manila International Airport were also planning attacks on the Chinese embassy and a large shopping center in the capital. Philippine authorities claim that the series of attacks were planned to publically express discontent towards Beijing over a fierce dispute in the South China Sea.

There had previously been similar attacks on Chinese businesses in Vietnam with dead and wounded. Now it appears that opposition to territorial disputes and economic and trade conflicts are also turning violent in the Philippines.

According to reports from Philippine Justice Minister, Leila de Lima, the detainees say they are "defenders of the Filipino people" and consider China, Filipinos of Chinese descent, their commercial and economic interests, illegal extractions as "enemies". The arrested trio (43, 22 and 25 years) seem to have a "particular grudge" against the Manila government whom they accuse of being too "soft" towards Beijing. This is why they - but the group could be far more numerous - were planning a series of attacks against buildings or centers linked to China or the Sino-Filipino community.

The three men are charged with terrorism, even if the initial investigation shows that the explosive material (other than a gun) was little more powerful than common fireworks. However, the Chinese Embassy in Manila has demanded a thorough investigation from the Philippine government and steps to ensure "the safety of the Chinese embassy, its staff and Chinese citizens residing in the Philippines".

Meanwhile, another possible version of the motive for the attacks has emerged, according to which the trio is part of a secret organization - including police and military - who had attempted a coup to depose then-President Corazon Aquino in 1980. Today the head of state is her son, Benigno Aquino, who has garnered popular consent in his five-year term. In July, a senator close to the president had spoken of the possibility of an attempt by the military to destabilize the government; However, the military leadership rejected the charge, confirming its total support for Aquino and his executive.

Vietnam and the Philippines have been increasingly worried about Beijing's imperialism in the South China and East China seas. They have even lobbied the UN to intervene. The Chinese government claims most of the sea (almost 85 per cent), including sovereignty over the disputed Spratly and Paracel islands, in opposition to Vietnam, Taiwan, the Philippines, Brunei and Malaysia.  For the United States, which backs the claims of Southeast Asia nations, Beijing's so-called 'cow tongue' line is both "illegal" and "irrational". Anyone with a hegemonic sway over the region would have a strategic advantage, in terms of seabed (oil and gas) development, but also in trade since two thirds of the world's maritime traffic goes through it.

 

• PHILIPPINES
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• CHINA
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• VIETNAM
• south
• china
• seas
• tension
• bomb
• attacks