(UPDATE) The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) announced on Monday that it has filed a diplomatic protest against the China Coast Guard (CCG) for their recent acts of harassment in the West Philippine Sea (WPS). The protest comes after Chinese ships fired water cannons at Philippine vessels on resupply missions to Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough) and Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoals.
The National Task Force for the WPS reported that on Saturday, Chinese ships fired water cannons at two Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) ships that were delivering supplies to Filipino fishermen at Scarborough Shoal. Later that day, a CCG vessel collided with a civilian boat on a resupply mission to Filipino troops stationed in Ayungin Shoal.
The DFA summoned the Chinese ambassador to Manila, Huang Xilian, to hand him the Philippine government’s note verbale. DFA Undersecretary Teresa Lazaro emphasized that declaring Huang as “persona non grata” in the Philippines is a serious consideration. The Philippine Embassy in Beijing also lodged a diplomatic note with the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Senator Francis Tolentino called for the “urgent recall” of Philippine Ambassador to Beijing Jaime FlorCruz in light of the ongoing provocations by China. Tolentino emphasized that diplomatic complacency cannot be maintained when Filipino citizens are subjected to harassment and intimidation within their exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
The United States has also voiced its concern over China’s conduct in the South China Sea. The US Department of State called on China to abide by the 2016 arbitral ruling, which invalidated China’s expansive claim that encroached on the Philippines’ EEZ. The US reiterated its commitment to the 1951 US-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty, which extends to armed attacks on Philippine armed forces, public vessels, or aircraft in the South China Sea.
According to the US Department of State spokesman Matthew Miller, China has no lawful maritime claims to the waters around Second Thomas Shoal, and Filipinos are entitled to traditional fishing rights around Scarborough Reef. Miller emphasized that the 2016 arbitral decision is final and legally binding on both China and the Philippines, as provided under the 1982 Law of the Sea Convention.
Miller further highlighted the dangerous and unlawful actions of Chinese ships, including the use of water cannons and reckless maneuvers that caused damage to Philippine vessels undertaking official supply missions. He also mentioned that Chinese ships used acoustic devices to incapacitate Filipino crew members and drove away Philippine fishing vessels.
The recent acts of harassment by the China Coast Guard in the West Philippine Sea have raised concerns among the international community. The Philippines, with the support of the United States, continues to assert its rights and defend its sovereignty in the region.
It is crucial for all parties involved to abide by international law and engage in peaceful dialogue to resolve disputes in the South China Sea. The DFA’s diplomatic protest serves as a reminder that acts of aggression and harassment will not be tolerated, and that the Philippines will continue to protect its interests in the West Philippine Sea.
Source: The Manila Times
