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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider PH 'in no position' to comment on Chinese presence in Julian Reef — China

PH 'in no position' to comment on Chinese presence in Julian Reef — China

Published Dec 5, 2023 02:37 am

China has said the Philippines is not in a position to question the presence of over a hundred Chinese vessels in the Julian Reef in the West Philippine Sea.

In his regular press briefing on Monday, Wang Wenbin, spokesman of China's Foreign Ministry, justified the swarming of the Chinese vessels in the waters as he said Julian Reef (locally known as Niu’e Jiao) is part of China’s Spratly Islands (locally known as Nansha Qundao).

"Relevant waters of the South China Sea, including Niu’e Jiao and its adjacent waters, have always been important operating areas and shelters for Chinese fishing boats," Wang said.

Such is the reason why the Chinese ministry official said it is only "justified and lawful" for Chinese boats "to operate or shelter from wind in the area."

"And the Philippines is in no position to make irresponsible remarks," Wang said.

On Sunday, Dec. 3, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said about 135 Chinese boats were spotted in the reef that is legally part of the Philippine waters, but os still contested by China.

Julian Felipe Reef is located 175 nautical miles west of Bataraza, Palawan or within the country's exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

National Security Adviser (NSA) and National Task Force on the West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS) chairman Eduardo Año saw their presence as "alarming" and directed the PCG to carry out a maritime patrol to challenge and document such activity.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has not yet responded if the Philippine government already filed a diplomatic protest against China over such a report.

Related Tags

Philippine Coast Guard wang wenbin West Philippine Sea
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