Philippine News Agency
DFA rebukes Chinese Coast Guard’s ‘dangerous maneuvers’ in WPS
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) urged China to respect the Philippines' rights and freedom of navigation in the West Philippine Sea following a dangerous blockade incident involving a Chinese Coast Guard vessel and a Philippine vessel near Ayungin Shoal.
A Chinese Coast Guard vessel, CCG 5201, came within 50 yards of the Philippine vessel BRP Malapascua, blocking its path and endangering the crew.
Similar dangerous maneuvers by Chinese vessels were also observed on April 19, involving CCG 5201 and 4202 against the BRP Malapascua.
The DFA emphasized that the Philippines has the legal right to conduct routine maritime patrols in its territorial waters and exclusive economic zone, and the April 18-24 mission involving BRP Malabrigo and BRP Malapascua was one such operation.
The DFA stated that China's interference with these patrols is inconsistent with the principle of freedom of navigation.
The department highlighted that the dangerous maneuvers by Chinese vessels are contrary to standard navigational practices.
The DFA reminded China that it is bound to honor freedom of navigation in the South China Sea as a signatory to the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea.
This pact requires China and other ASEAN signatories to respect freedom of navigation and overflight and to exercise self-restraint in escalating disputes.
The DFA reiterated its call for China to respect the Philippines' rights over the West Philippine Sea, as stipulated by UNCLOS, and to avoid actions that could lead to untoward incidents.
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