The National Security Council (NSC) slammed China for allegedly assaulting Vietnamese fishermen in the South China Sea (SCS), a move that showed Manila’s support for Hanoi despite their overlapping territorial claims in the disputed waters.
In a statement on Friday Oct. 4, National Security Adviser Eduardo Año said the NSC strongly condemns the “violent and illegal actions” of Chinese maritime forces against Vietnamese fishermen near the Paracel Islands last Sept. 29.
Ten Vietnamese fishermen were reportedly robbed with their catch and struck with iron bars by attackers onboard Chinese-flagged vessels.
“This unjustified assault, which left 10 fishermen injured and damaged their property, is an alarming act with no place in international relations,” Año said.
The NSA pointed out that the use of force against civilian fishermen blatantly violated international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and “breaches basic human decency.”
“Fishermen, as vulnerable maritime workers, deserve protection — not harm — at sea,” he said.
The UNCLOS is a 1982 international treaty which lays down a comprehensive regime of law and order in the world's oceans and seas establishing rules governing all uses of the oceans and their resources.
China, the Philippines and Vietnam are all parties to the UNCLOS.
“The Philippines has consistently advocated for peaceful dispute resolution in the South China Sea and rejects any use of violence or coercion especially against civilian fisherfolk to advance territorial claims. Such actions escalate tensions and threaten regional security,” Año said.
To recall, the China Coast Guard (CCG) obstructed a resupply mission of the Philippine Navy in Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal on June 17 which turned violent and led to the dismemberment of the right thumb of a Filipino sailor.
“We stand with Vietnam in denouncing this egregious act and call for accountability. China must uphold international maritime laws and cease all hostile activities that endanger the lives and livelihoods of civilian mariners,” Año said, noting that the Philippines reaffirms its commitment to peace, security and respect for international law in resolving conflict in the SCS.
Beijing, on the other hand, claimed that the Vietnamese fishermen were illegally operating in Chinese waters and denied that they caused injuries to anyone.
Both Manila and Hanoi have overlapping territorial claims in the SCS along with other countries such as China, Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Taiwan.
In June, the Philippines formally asked the United Nations (UN) Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf to recognize its rights on the extended continental shelf (ECS) in the SCS, particularly in the western Palawan region, which overlaps with Vietnam’s claims.
Despite this, the Philippines and Vietnam have found ways to settle their disputes amicably.
A Vietnamese coast guard ship even visited Manila in August and held a bilateral exercise with the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) in Manila Bay, Balilo, signifying their willingness to peacefully co-exist and get along well despite having a sea row.