(CNN Philippines) — Following the stern warnings that the Chinese navy gave to a U.S. surveillance plane on Wednesday (May 20), the Department of National Defense said on Thursday (May 21) that the incident clearly showed China’s disregard for international laws and freedom of flight and navigation.
“It is highly regrettable that they (China) are imposing their self-serving rules even in clearly established international airspace,” said Peter Paul Galvez, Spokesperson of the Department of National Defense (DND).
As the American aircraft swooped over disputed waters, a voice that introduced itself as the Chinese navy came on the radio — shooing the plane away.
“This is the Chinese navy … This is the Chinese navy … Please go away … to avoid misunderstanding,” the voice declared.
Related: CNN Exclusive: China warns U.S. surveillance plane
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), on the other hand, called for all claimant countries to clarify the basis of their claims and avoid action that violates the declaration of conduct of parties in the South China Sea.
“We therefore reiterate the call for all concerned parties to clarify the basis of their claims, and avoid action that violates the spirit of the DOC (declaration of conduct),” said Asec. Charles Jose, Spokesperson of the DFA.
Meanwhile, Malacañan said that it is still waiting for the decision of a United Nations (U.N.) court on the arbitration case over the disputed waters.
Presidential Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said that President Benigno Aquino III met with his legal team on Wednesday to discuss Beijing’s massive reclamation activities.
Coloma added that the talk focused on pursuing a code of conduct for the claimant countries, including China.
Last week, Aquino said that he was expecting the U.N. court to decide on Manila’s arbitration case in early 2016.
The president also said that his administration is continuously studying ways on how to resolve the issue peacefully because that has always been the government’s objective.
