The Philippines on Friday, Oct. 4, denounced Chinese law enforcers’ reported beating of Vietnamese fishermen in the South China Sea, saying the safety of those at sea must be ensured amid disputes.
On Wednesday, Oct. 2, Vietnam protested to China its law enforcers’ action in the waters off Paracel Island when they allegedly beat with iron pipes Vietnamese fishers, injuring 10, on Sept. 29.
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said in a statement that "the Philippines has consistently denounced the use of force, aggression and intimidation in the South China Sea."
It also emphasized "the need for actors to exercise genuine self-restraint."
Just like Vietnam, the Philippines has a dispute with China over the South China Sea. Filipino fishermen and crew have also been subject of Chinese harassment in the waters.
The DFA asserted that it is “a paramount obligation” of actors in the area to ensure the safety at sea of vessels and their crew, especially fisherfolk.
“The Philippines underscores the need for disputes in the SCS (South China Sea) to be managed peacefully and in accordance with international law, particularly UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea,” it added.