PH may file case vs China over WPS ramming incidents

The Philippines is considering filing a case against China before an international tribunal following recent ramming incidents involving two Philippine Coast Guard vessels in the West Philippine Sea.

The National Maritime Council spokesperson Alexander Lopez condemned China's deliberate harassment and infringement upon Philippine sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction.

Lopez stated that the China Coast Guard's actions violated international law, including the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea and the 1972 Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs).

Lopez criticized the China Coast Guard's actions as ridiculous and a violation of the COLREGs, which are meant to ensure maritime safety.

Despite these incidents, the Philippines aims to avoid escalating tensions in the West Philippine Sea.

House Speaker Martin Romualdez previously condemned China's actions as reckless and illegal maneuvers that challenged Philippine sovereignty and violated international law.

Romualdez had urged Beijing to exercise restraint and emphasized the Philippines' commitment to upholding its sovereignty and working with allies.

He also noted a troubling pattern of escalating tensions by China and called on the international community to recognize these dangerous actions.