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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider DFA says country can move on its own in WPS

DFA says country can move on its own in WPS

Published Aug 23, 2023 08:56 am

The Philippines' activities in the South China Sea, particularly in the West Philippine Sea, are not subject to any country's approval, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) asserted on Wednesday, August 23.
 

DFA's pronouncement came after Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian called out the Philippine delivery of "large-scale" building materials to Ayungin Shoal, which the Chinese envoy saw as a problem.
 

"The rotation and resupply mission to the BRP Sierra Madre are legitimate and routine activities in our EEZ (exclusive economic zone)," Ma. Teresita Daza, DFA spokesperson, said.
 

"The Philippines' exercise of its sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction within our maritime zones is not subject to any other country's approval. This is the norm," she added.
 

During the 9th Manila Forum on Tuesday, Huang made his first media appearance since China's latest water cannon attack against Philippine personnel in the Ayungin Shoal, a part of the Philippines' EEZ, on August 5.
 

Just like Beijing, Huang justified the Chinese coast guard's action by saying "the problem arose when the Philippines transported large-scale building materials."

China continues to assert its right over the whole of South China Sea, including the West Philippine Sea, based on its historic nine-dash line. International law and the 2016 Arbitral Ruling already rejected China's claim, saying it has no legal basis.
 

On August 22, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) resumed its rotation and reprovision mission to Ayungin Shoal. Although it turned "successful," according to AFP, its personnel still faced harassment from China anew, satellite images showed.
 

"Notwithstanding attempts by China Coast Guard and Chinese maritime militia vessels to block, harass, and interfere with the supply mission, the Philippine supply ships 'Unaizah May 1' and 'Unaizah May 2,' escorted by PCG vessels BRP Cabra (MRRV-4409) and BRP Sindangan (MRRV-4407), successfully completed their RORE mission," the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea (NFT-WPS) said in its statement.

Related Tags

Resupply mission Department of Foreign Affairs West Philippine Sea Ayungin Shoal
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