Rappler
DFA warns China’s new coast guard regulation violates international law
The Philippines expressed serious concern over new regulations by the China Coast Guard, asserting they directly violate international law and cannot be enforced in the high seas.
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) called on China to cease actions that could jeopardize regional peace and security.
The regulations, approved on May 15 and effective June 15, are based on a 2021 law that allegedly expanded the China Coast Guard's maritime law enforcement powers.
The DFA emphasized that while sovereign states can enact domestic laws, these cannot be applied or enforced within the maritime zones or jurisdiction of other states, nor violate international law.
The department further stated that these domestic laws are not applicable or enforceable in the high seas under international law.
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The Philippines, through Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo, declared it does not recognize China's new maritime rule allowing its coast guard to detain foreigners in disputed waters.
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Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. strongly condemned China's new regulation in the South China Sea, calling it a "roguish and irresponsible threat" and a "provocation."
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National Security Council Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya dismissed China's announcement of arresting and detaining trespassers in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) as a mere "scare tactic" and urged Filipinos to continue their activities there.
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Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo stated that China's new regulation allowing its coast guard to detain foreigners trespassing in the South China Sea, effective June 15, contradicts the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
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The Philippines has protested China's unilateral fishing ban in the South China Sea, asserting it violates international law and undermines Philippine sovereignty and maritime rights.
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