Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 31)— The Philippines has filed another diplomatic protest against China, this time over its unilateral imposition of a fishing ban in the South China Sea.
“In a diplomatic note dated 30 May 2022, the DFA conveyed its protest to the moratorium, which covers areas in the West Philippine Sea over which the Philippines has sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction,” the Department of Foreign Afffairs said in a statement released on Tuesday.
The fishing ban took effect on May 1 and is expected to last until August 16, the DFA noted.
“The DFA reiterated its continuing protest of China’s annual practice of declaring a fishing ban over areas that extend far beyond China’s legitimate maritime entitlements under the 1982 UNCLOS,” the agency added.
It said the declaration of a moratorium on fishing “that extends to the West Philippine Sea has no basis in law, and undermines the mutual trust, confidence, and respect that should underpin bilateral relations.”
The Philippines again called on the China to “comply with its obligations under international law,” citing the 2016 arbitral ruling that invalidated Beijing’s sweeping claims to the waters.
Meanwhile, the DFA also said it summoned on April 13 a senior official of China’s embassy in Manila to protest the Chinese Coast Guard’s alleged “harassment” of a research vessel plying the West Philippine Sea.
The Chinese Embassy has yet to issue a comment on the matter.
