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PH protests swarming of over 100 Chinese vessels in Julian Felipe Reef
PH protests swarming of over 100 Chinese vessels in Julian Felipe Reef
The Philippines has protested the return of over 100 Chinese vessels "illegally operating" in and around Julian Felipe Reef on April 4, barely a year after the same swarming incident took place.
This was disclosed by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Thursday night, June 9.
In its diplomatic protest, the Philippines called on China to "immediately withdraw all of its vessels" from Philippine maritime zones.
It pointed out that the "persistent swarming" of Chinese vessels is contrary to international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the final and binding 2016 Arbitral Award that favored the Philippines.
"It is also a violation of China’s commitments under the 2002 Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, in particular, the exercise of self-restraint pursuant to Paragraph 5 thereof," the DFA said.
The Philippines further told China to comply with its obligations under international law, cease and desist from displaying illegal and irresponsible behavior, and avoid further escalating tensions at sea.
It also conveyed regrets over the violation committed by China as the incident happened days before the telesummit between President Duterte and Chinese President Xi Jinping on April 8.
During the meeting, the two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to solve issues of mutual concern through peaceful dialogue and exercise restraint in any and all endeavors relating to the South China Sea.
Julian Felipe Reef is a low-tide elevation within the territorial sea of relevant high tide features in the Kalayaan Island Group, including Chigua Reef, over which the Philippines has sovereignty.
"The lingering unauthorized presence of Chinese fishing and maritime vessels is not only illegal, but is also a source of instability in the region," the DFA said.
Since 2016, the DFA has lodged over 300 diplomatic protests against China. It recently protested the alleged harassment of a research ship in the South China Sea and the unilateral fishing ban enforced by China in the South China Sea, covering the West Philippine Sea.