Metro Manila, Philippines – The Philippines rejected China’s statement that Manila is “staging provocations” in the West Philippine Sea, saying rising tensions are driven by Beijing’s illegal, coercive and aggressive actions in waters recognized under international law as part of the Philippine maritime zones.
In a statement, the National Maritime Council said China’s accusations were “preposterous and completely false,” noting that Filipino fishers in the West Philippine Sea are lawfully pursuing their livelihoods.
“Protecting them is a responsibility of the state, not an act of escalation,” the council said.
The council said Philippine maritime operations are conducted to ensure safety at sea, provide humanitarian assistance and enforce the law, and are consistent with international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, or UNCLOS, and the 2016 arbitral ruling that invalidated China’s sweeping claims in the South China Sea.
It accused Chinese vessels and aircraft of engaging in dangerous maneuvers, including blocking, ramming, intimidation and the use of water cannons against Philippine vessels and fishers, actions it said place lives at risk and undermine regional peace and stability.
The statement was in response to a lengthy online response of the Chinese Embassy in Manila that accused the country of illegal and dangerous actions in disputed waters. The embassy said China’s coast guard was lawfully exercising sovereign rights in what it described as overlapping exclusive economic zones and accused Manila of using fishermen as cover for provocations.
The Chinese side also cited incidents late last year, including what it said was the rescue of a stranded Filipino fisherman by the Chinese navy, and defended actions taken near disputed reefs that Beijing claims as part of its territory.
The council reiterated that tensions stem from China’s actions, not from lawful Philippine activities, and urged Beijing to comply with international law and the 2016 ruling.
“We call on China to abide by international law, particularly UNCLOS and the 2016 Arbitral Award, to ensure stability in the region,” the council said, adding that the Philippines remains open to constructive dialogue and consultations for the peaceful development of the area in accordance with international law.
