The Philippine Government deplores the repeated aggressive, unprofessional and illegal actions displayed by Chinese maritime forces against Philippine vessels and aircraft over the past week.
First were the unsafe aerial maneuvers and actions by Chinese aircraft against Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) aircraft undertaking routine maritime patrol over Bajo de Masinloc and Zamora Reef. And then only yesterday, China Coast Guard (CCG) vessels, together with Chinese maritime militia vessels, blocked, rammed and fired water cannons against a BFAR vessel, BRP Datu Sanday, conducting a regular humanitarian assistance mission and providing food, water, and fuel to Filipino artisanal fishermen in Escoda Shoal.
That these provocative and dangerous actions were made in the space of only a week is alarming, and calls into question China’s supposed commitment to de-escalate the situation in the area and create a conducive environment for dialogue and consultation.
The Philippines reiterates that the activities by the BFAR — a civilian government agency — are lawful and are in accordance with its mandates. It should be made clear that the Philippines has never provoked the People’s Republic of China (PRC), which in turn has relied on deliberate and intentional harassment and intimidation to interfere with Philippine sovereign operations, and endanger the safety of Filipinos aboard Philippine vessels and aircraft conducting their routine missions. China’s illegal activities reveal its wanton disregard for UNCLOS and the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Award, and existing international laws and regulations that are meant to ensure the safety of ships and aircraft.
Uncowed by these latest incidents, the Philippines will continue to stand firm in the conduct of its lawful operations and expose the illegal presence and violations of Chinese vessels and aircraft within the Philippines’ maritime zones.
The Philippines appreciates the calls made by the international community against China’s aggressive actions as these further reinforce the common desire to achieve a rules-based international order that upholds international law.
The Philippines will never waver in exercising its sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction, and defending its maritime and archipelagic interests consistent with international law. The Philippines will continue to pursue the proper diplomatic approaches to resolve ongoing maritime issues, and therefore strongly urges China to return to the path of constructive dialogue on matters related to the West Philippine Sea. ###
