The Philippine Government has questioned China's "supposed commitment" in de-escalating the situation in the West Philippine Sea after the series of aggressions by Chinese maritime forces over the past week.
Manila through the National Maritime Council (NMC) deplored Beijing's "repeated aggressive, unprofessional and illegal actions" against Philippine vessels and aircraft which were conducting routine maritime patrol over Bajo de Masinloc and Zamora Reef and regular humanitarian assistance mission in Escoda Shoal.
"That these provocative and dangerous actions were made in the space of only a week is alarming, and calls into question China’s supposed commitment to de-escalate the situation in the area and create a conducive environment for dialogue and consultation," the NMC said in a statement on Monday, Aug. 26.
The Philippines reiterated that the activities by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) are lawful and are in accordance with its mandates.
The NMC tagged as "unsafe aerial maneuvers" the actions by Chinese aircraft against BFAR aircraft which was undertaking routine maritime patrol over Bajo de Masinloc and Zamora Reef.
"It should be made clear that the Philippines has never provoked the People’s Republic of China (PRC), which in turn has relied on deliberate and intentional harassment and intimidation to interfere with Philippine sovereign operations, and endanger the safety of Filipinos aboard Philippine vessels and aircraft conducting their routine missions," NMC said.
It further lamented that China’s illegal activities "reveal its wanton disregard for UNCLOS and the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Award, and existing international laws and regulations that are meant to ensure the safety of ships and aircraft."
"Uncowed by these latest incidents, the Philippines will continue to stand firm in the conduct of its lawful operations and expose the illegal presence and violations of Chinese vessels and aircraft within the Philippines’ maritime zones," the maritime council said.
It also expressed appreciation for the calls made by the international community against China’s aggressive actions.
The NMC further stated that the Philippines will never waver in exercising its sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction, and defending its maritime and archipelagic interests consistent with international law.
It added that the country will continue to pursue the proper diplomatic approaches to resolve ongoing maritime issues, urging China to return to the path of constructive dialogue on matters related to the West Philippine Sea.
On Sunday, Aug. 25, China Coast Guard (CCG) vessels and Chinese maritime militia vessels blocked, rammed, and fired water cannons against a BFAR vessel, BRP Datu Sanday, that was conducting a regular humanitarian assistance mission and providing food, water, and fuel to Filipino artisanal fishermen in Escoda Shoal.