The Philippine government denied it enlisted "foreign forces" in patrolling the West Philippine Sea (WPS) as claimed by China, as the word war between the two countries with overlapping territorial claims in the South China Sea (SCS) continues.
National Security Adviser (NSA) Eduardo Año said the joint patrol conducted by the Philippines and United States militaries earlier this week was held in accordance with international law and a testament of their alliance.
"The Philippines categorically rejects China's assertion that the Philippines has enlisted 'foreign forces' to patrol the South China Sea. The joint patrols conducted by the Philippines with the United States are well within our rights as a sovereign nation and in accordance with international law, the RP-US Mutual Defense Treaty, and the Visiting Forces Agreement," said Año, who is also the chairman of the National Task Force for West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS).
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and US Indo-Pacific Command (INDO-PACOM) patrolled the WPS during the conduct of a maritime cooperative activity (MCA) from Nov. 21 to 23.
The joint patrols were conducted within 40 to 140 nautical miles from mainland Luzon and Palawan which are within the Philippines 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
China accused the Philippines of stirring trouble in the Indo-Pacific region as it claimed the latter "enlisted foreign forces" to patrol the South China Sea.
But Año said there is nothing wrong about the activity as the Philippines has an "inherent and sovereign right" to conduct joint air and naval patrols with its partners, allies, and friends "to ensure the security and stability of the region."
"The maritime cooperation activity is a series of goodwill activities at sea. It includes passing exercises, joint voyages, manuevers, communications checks, and cross deck operations. It ensures and enhances the inter-operability between the armed forces of both our nations and is not directed at any country," he explained.
He further stated that China's accusation of the Philippines allegedly stirring up trouble was "unfounded".
"We will continue to exercise our rights and fulfill our obligations to maintain peace and stability in the region in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific. We reject any attempt to undermine our legitimate actions to safeguard our sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction," the NSA said.
He then called on China to "respect international law, engage in constructive dialogue, and work towards a peaceful and cooperative future" in the entire SCS.
Earlier, Department of National Defense (DND) Sec. Gilberto Teodoro Jr. already debunked China's accusation against the Philippines as he pointed out that it was Beijing who intrudes in Manila's waters.
The word war between Filipino and Chinese officials is heating up in recent weeks after China's attempts to block Philippine boats from bringing supplies to its troops at Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal in WPS.