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Pacquiao to inspire Filipinos in preserving nation’s territory

Pacquiao has not only proven that sized isn’t a big issue in boxing, he also believes that it is neither an issue when it comes to dealing with his country’s territorial dispute with China.

China and the Philippines have been at odds for several years following China’s occupation of islets, atolls and reefs which are within the 200-mile economic zone of the Philippines.

Satellite images of various reefs in the Spratley Islands show that China has reclaimed and is still reclaiming lands to convert the islands and reefs into naval installations capable of hosting military aircraft and warships. View images here.

The Philippines have filed numerous diplomatic protests over the continued reclamation activities in the disputed territories but China had rejected all claims by the Philippines saying the islands and reefs are part of their territory based on their imaginary 9-dash lines claim.

“This is the moment when the country should unite and confront this huge problem which could not only mean the loss of our territory but also national dignity and pride,” said Pacquiao, who is preparing for his super fight against unbeaten American Floyd Mayweather at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Pacquiao said the country should explore other options aimed at peaceful settlement of the dispute through diplomatic means.

While the country has already sought the UN intervention of the conflict, Pacquiao expressed apprehension about China’s possible rejection of a decision by the UN in the event that it renders a verdict in favor of the Philippines.

Pacquiao urged everyone to rally behind the national flag and to show the world that Filipinos have the ‘courage and determination to defend their honor and dignity.’

“We should not allow others to take our territory simply because we are smaller and poorer,” Pacquiao said.

Pacquiao. who is smaller than Mayweather is determined to prove that size doesn’t matter but the spirit and heart do.

On May 2, Pacquiao hopes to inspire his countrymen to fight for honor and dignity in their desire to defend and preserve the nation’s territory.

“I hope this fight will serve as an inspiration for the Filipinos and a reminder that it is not the size which matters but the spirit and the heart,” Pacquiao said.

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