The Philippines “does not and will never need” to inform China of its maritime activities in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), according to the National Security Council (NSC).

National Security Adviser (NSA) Eduardo Año made the remark on Saturday night, June 8, as he reaffirmed the Philippines’ commitment to uphold the country’s sovereign rights and jurisdiction over Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal, after China justified its obstruction of medical evacuation for sick personnel of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) near the area.

“The recent statement by China's Foreign Ministry suggesting that the Philippines must first notify China for access to Ayungin Shoal is absurd, nonsense and unacceptable. We do not and will never need China’s approval for any of our activities therein.

Read related story: Philippines not obligated to ask permission from China in WPS – PCG

The incident occurred on May 19 when the AFP and Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) boats were transporting sick AFP personnel from the BRP Sierra Madre outpost to a hospital in Bataraza, Palawan.

According to the AFP and PCG, rigid hull inflatable boats (RHIBs) deployed by the China Coast Guard (CCG) intentionally rammed the Philippine boats and made blocking maneuvers to stop them from advancing.

However, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning justified the CCG’s actions, saying had only the Philippine side “informed” the Chinese forces of their intent to evacuate the ill Filipino soldiers, they would have “allowed” them to pass through the waters.

Ayungin Shoal is a submerged reef in the Kalayaan Island Group (Spratly Islands). It is located 105 nautical miles (194 kilometers) from the nearest coastline in Palawan, within the 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of the Philippines.

Año echoed the description made by Commodore Jay Tarriela, PCG spokesperson for WPS, that China’s blocking of the medical evacuation was “barbaric and inhumane.”

“Such actions are not only violations of international maritime laws but also of basic human rights,” he said.

The incident also took place on the same day that Chinese forces seized food supplies meant for Filipino troops onboard the BRP Sierra Madre, a Philippine Navy warship grounded off Ayungin Shoal. It has been serving as an AFP outpost in the area for more than two decades.

“The recent reports of Chinese forces allegedly seizing food and medical supplies meant for our advance post in Ayungin Shoal are equally reprehensible and warrant a thorough investigation and accountability,” the NSA stated.

He emphasized that the Philippines will continue to maintain and supply its outposts in the West Philippine Sea, including the BRP Sierra Madre, “without seeking permission from any other nation.”

“Our operations are conducted within our own territorial waters and EEZ, and we will not be deterred by foreign interference or intimidation,” he added.

But the top Philippine security adviser said the country “remains open” to dialogue and peaceful negotiations to resolve disputes in the entire South China Sea.

“However, such dialogue must be based on mutual respect and adherence to international law,” said Año, as he urged China to respect the 2016 arbitral ruling that invalidated their expansionist claims in the South China Sea and to cease “any actions that escalate tensions or undermine regional stability.”