MANILA, Philippines - The National Maritime Council on (NMC) Thursday expressed condemnation of the recent incidents involving Chinese maritime forces and against Philippine vessels and fisherfolk in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) calling it “aggressive and dangerous.”
Last March 7, a People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy warship directed its fire control radar at BRP Miguel Malvar near Escoda Shoal during a lawful routine patrol.
Only days later on March 17, Filipino fisherfolk at Bajo de Masinloc were harassed by Chinese vessels, sirens and deployment of Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats interfering with lawful fishing activities.
On March 26, a Philippine Navy vessel avoided collision after a PLA Navy warship made unsafe maneuver near Pagasa Island.
“These incidents occurred in areas where the Philippines has sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction. Philippine operations in these areas are lawful and consistent with the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and the 2016 Arbitral Award. On the other hand, the activities of China in these areas are inconsistent with international law and the 2002 Declaration of the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea,” the NMC said in a statement.
The NMC said the Philippine will undertake appropriate diplomatic actions and engage in existing bilateral dialogue mechanisms to address such concerns.
The Philippines, NMC said, also reiterates its call to China to “withdraw and direct its vessels and maritime assets to cease and desist from illegal, provocative and dangerous actions against Philippine vessels and to stop activities that violate Philippine sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction and to comply with its obligations under international law.”
