(Wikipedia)

The Chinese Coast Guard shouldn't resort to moves that could "escalate tensions" in the West Philippine Sea (WPS). 

Thus, said House Committee on National Defense and Security Chairman Iloilo 5th district Rep. Raul "Boboy" Tupas amid the latest water cannon blasting incident by foreign vessels in Philippine territory. 

"Restraint in dealing with maritime disputes must be observed by the Chinese Coast Guard rather than resorting to means that are unnecessary, uncalled for, and may result in escalating tensions," Tupas said in a statement Tuesday, Aug. 8. 

Last Saturday, Aug. 5, two Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vessels on a resupply mission to BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal off Palawan were blasted with water cannons by the China Coast Guard. Sierra Madre, which serves as an outpost, was carrying a platoon of Filipino soldiers.  

"The act of blasting a water cannon at the Philippine Coast Guard is a brazen attack on our white ship patrolling our own waters by the Chinese Coast Guard sailing far from its territorial waters," Tupas said. 

The House leader said the resolution of maritime border issues must be made in adherence to international law, specifically the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the 2016 Arbitral Award. 

"Respect for the Philippines’ sovereignty over the [WPS], our Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), and territorial waters must be observed," he insisted. 

The international community has condemned the water cannon attack on Philippine vessels.