While the Philippine government welcomes China’s offer for dialogues on matters concerning the West Philippine Sea (WPS), an official of the National Security Council (NSC) said this would only prosper if harassments and bullying are stopped on Philippine vessels.

NSC spokesperson Jonathan Malaya said China’s bullying, aggressive actions, and illegal moves in the WPS seriously undermine regional peace and security.

“China’s illegal exercise of maritime law enforcement powers, interference with Philippine vessels, harassment and intimidation of Filipino fisherfolk, and others activities that infringes upon the Philippines’ sovereignty and jurisdiction in the WPS are clear violations of international law,” said Malaya in a statement issued on Wednesday, Dec. 27. 

“Dialogues can only succeed in an atmosphere of mutual respect and sincerity between two sovereign nations. The Philippines is ready to reciprocate provided the bullying, harassment, and aggressive actions are ended immediately,” he added.

Malaya explained that the  root of all tension in the WPS was China’s, plain and simple, refusal to adhere to the international law, apparently in response to China’s statement that the Philippine has been instigating instability in the region.

Malaya said the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the 2016 ruling of the UN tribunal in favor of the Philippine government clearly debunked China’s claim on almost the entire South China Sea.

“China is the only country that believes in its own narrative and propaganda. Not a single nation has expressed support for its 10-dash line where it lays claim to practically the entire South China,” said Malaya in a statement.

“The root of all these tensions is its non-adherence to international law, UNCLOS, and the 2016 Arbitral Award,” he added.

Malaya explained that even after the country’s reaped victory in the UN Tribunal, the Philippines never engaged in provocations, bullying and aggressive actions in the WPS.

In fact, he said, the Philippines has been very restrained and responsible.

The Philippines filed a case against China over the standoff between the Philippine Navy and China ‘s vessels over the interception of China’s fishing vessels that the Philippines said illegally conducted fishing activities near the Scarborough Shoal.

Since then, the Philippines has been using civilian vessels for resupply missions for the soldiers stationed at the BRP Sierra Madre at the Ayungin Shoal, and has been tapping the Philippine Coast Guard to conduct maritime patrols.

However, Malaya rued that the Philippines’ restrained and responsible action in the WPS cannot also be said of China.

The Philippine government has repeatedly filed diplomatic protests against China over the different instances of harassment by its elements on Philippine vessels, including those with the use of water cannon and dangerous maneuvers that sometimes resulted in collisions.