In light of the controversial statements made by the Head Coach of China's Basketball team, Gong Luming at a press conference, a British national wrote an open letter to the president of People's Republic of China in response to the rather offensive statements of Coach Luming. Malcolm Conlan, the Brit who claims that he is a 'pinoy at heart' elaborated his thoughts and opinions in a letter which he deemed inappropriate towards the Philippines. Before the final bout of the FIBA Asia 2015 Championship, the British national sent an open letter to the president of China, and here is the statement that Mr. Conlan wrote regarding the controversial statements of Coach Luming.

Coach Luming was interviewed before the game, and his confidence in his basketball team winning the championship eventually led to him stating a rather debatable comment, saying "I am very confident. I am so confident that I'm willing... I'm willing to make a bet. If we lose, they can have the Spratly Islands." Everyone is well aware that the aforementioned island is a part of the Philippines, and China is claiming the island as part of their country. It has been an ongoing debate for the two countries, and surely it wasn't a topic that should be mentioned in a basketball game which caused an uproar from netizens and Filipinos. After eventually winning the FIBA championship, China has been receiving heat from various angles, some speculating that the basketball game was rigged so that their team would win the championship.This caused massive controversy across the whole nation, and even the NBA commented on the allegedly rigged game. And now they're drawing controversy once again caused by Coach Luming. In Mr. Conlan's letter, he stated that "You [China] cannot give back something which did not belong to you in the first place, that is generally known as theft. Secondly, the Spratly Islands are not to be treated as some kind of pawn in a high stakes gambling match. The Spratly Islands are a valuable asset which historical evidence has proven belong to the Philippine people." Even netizens sounded on their own opinion, stating that it was a foolish and unknowledgeable comment that resembles the true identity and color of the Chinese nation. They also applauded Mr. Conlan for defending the Philippines with his statement, as Filipinos welcome him as a true Filipino at heart who's proud of the country. Mr. Conlan also stated that his wife is a Filipina, and he also has relatives who are also Filipinos from both the Philippines and the United Kingdom. Respect has been given to Mr. Conlan in his open letter, and everyone is hoping the president of China takes notice of the letter and recognizes the offensive statements Coach Luming has stated in his interview before the basketball game. The Gilas Pilipinas team vowed redemption in the 2016 Summer Olympics. And certainly there's a fire burning in their hearts in representing Filipino pride in making a comeback against the humbling defeat of China.


Mr. Conlan certainly gained respect and admiration from many Filipinos and netizens for his open letter. He is a true 'Filipino at heart' and Filipinos are open arms in warmly welcoming Mr. Conlan to the country. What do you think of Mr. Conlan's open letter to the president of the Republic of China? What are your thoughts in regards to Coach Luming's statements? Let us know by leaving your comments down below the comments section and state your opinions!