Aliwan Fiesta 2024
DZRH Logo
PH insists rights to patrol in WPS amid China's trespassing claims
PH insists rights to patrol in WPS amid China's trespassing claims
Nation
PH insists rights to patrol in WPS amid China's trespassing claims
by Christhel Cuazon31 October 2023
Photo courtesy: REUTERS

The Philippines on Tuesday insisted its right to patrol the West Philippine Sea, which includes he vicinity of Scarborough Shoal, also known as Bajo de Masinloc, after China decried the latter of 'trespassing.'

In a statement, National Security Adviser Eduardo Año called out the Chinese government for "overhyping and creating unecessary tension" between the two countries.

“Under international law, the Philippines has every right to patrol the length and breadth of the West Philippine Sea which necessarily includes Bajo de Masinloc which is well within the country’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ),” Año said.

“China is again over hyping this incident and creating unnecessary tensions between our two nations,” he added.

Advertisement

His remark comes after China's military claimed that a Philippine boat "illegally entered" waters near Scarborough Shoal without authorization. They then urged the country "to immediately stop its infringement and provocation to avoid further escalation."

However, in contrary to the accusation, Año said the Philippine vessel PS39 completed its routine patrol operations "without any untoward incident."

"It did not illegally enter any space under Chinese sovereignty because Bajo de Masinloc is part of the PH archipelago and EEZ. Chinese vessels, as usual, conducted shadowing on the movement of PS39," he said.

Advertisement

The official then urged China to act responsibly, and respect the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and adhere to the 2016 Arbitral Ruling.

"Following the strong guidance of President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr., we will protect our territory and sovereign rights at all cost," Año said.

Share
listen Live
DZRH News Live Streaming
Home
categories
RHTV Link
Latest
Most Read