Xi Jinping’s Likeness Ripped Apart in Protest Outside China’s Consulate

Protesters in the Philippine capital of Manila stamped on and shredded an effigy of Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday as they called on China to leave nearby waters.

The column of demonstrators, representing various civil society groups, marched toward the Chinese Consulate, chanting phrases like “China leave,” according to Reuters.

Beijing claims most of the South China Sea as its territory, including areas hundreds of miles from Chinese shores and within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ). An international court in 2016 dismissed China’s claims, citing international maritime law.

China has built up and militarized a number of artificial islands in this zone and routinely deploys its coast guard to expel local fishermen and confront government supply convoys to remote outposts. This has driven up Philippine support for President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s pushback against the powerful neighbor, according to recent polling.

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“Our message is addressed to the Chinese government to move out of the West Philippine Sea, dismantle its illegal structures…recognize the 2016 arbitral ruling and stop the harassment of Filipino fisherfolk, and stop the harassment [and] disruption of Philippine supply missions,” a protester named Mong Palatino told local media.

The Chinese Embassy in the U.S. did not immediately respond to written requests for comment.

While many demonstrators held placards explicitly calling out China, such as “Xi steals seashells from our seashores” and “Defend Filipino fisherfolks,” others called for the U.S. military to exit the Southeast Asian country.

“Foreign troops out of Philippines,” read one sign. “Stop militarizing the West Philippine Sea!” read another, demanding in Tagalog that both superpowers leave the archipelagic country.

One participating organization, the Alliance of Concerned Teachers-Philippines, published a statement on social media outlining their priorities.

“Let’s fight the fake agreement between the Philippines and the United States through Enhanced Defense Cooperative Agreement. This alone will pose a grave danger to our national sovereignty and security. Let’s stop Chinese intrusion into our waters. This is a clear violation of the right of us Filipinos to enjoy natural resources within our borders,” it read.

Washington, which shares a Mutual Defense Treaty with Manila, stations troops at several locations that it jointly operates with local forces under the allies’ 2014 Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement.

Marcos is set to meet with President Joe Biden on Thursday for their second meeting in a year. They will also convene with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in what will be the first trilateral summit for the leaders of the three countries.

Countering China’s military expansion in the region is expected to feature in the discussions.

White House National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby told the press Monday they could expect a “new initiatives across a range of important issues” to emerge from the summit, adding that the three countries are seeking ways to “deepen cooperation to “ensure a free, open, prosperous, secure Indo-Pacific.”