Manila Bulletin
NSC: PH ‘does not, will never need’ China’s approval for WPS activities
The Philippines "does not and will never need" to inform China of its maritime activities in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), according to the National Security Council (NSC).
National Security Adviser Eduardo Año stated that the Philippines is not obligated to ask for China's permission to conduct any activity within the West Philippine Sea (WPS), including medical evacuations.
Año described China's claim that the Philippines must notify them for access to Ayungin Shoal as "absurd, nonsense and unacceptable."
The PCG asserted that China's actions of blocking Philippine boats during a recent medical evacuation mission were illegal and provocative.
The incident occurred on May 19 when the AFP and Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) boats were transporting sick AFP personnel from the BRP Sierra Madre outpost to a hospital in Bataraza, Palawan.
According to the AFP and PCG, rigid hull inflatable boats (RHIBs) deployed by the China Coast Guard (CCG) intentionally rammed the Philippine boats and made blocking maneuvers to stop them from advancing.
Ayungin Shoal is located within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone (EEZ), approximately 105 nautical miles from Palawan, meaning China has no jurisdiction over these Philippine waters.
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Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo questioned China's demand for prior notification of Philippine activities in the West Philippine Sea.
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National Security Adviser Eduardo Año stated that the Philippines does not require China's approval to access Ayungin Shoal, calling China's suggestion absurd, nonsense, and unacceptable.
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The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) denounced China's alleged attempt to block a medical evacuation (medevac) of an ill Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) soldier in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) on May 19.
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The Philippine Navy has increased maritime patrols in the West Philippine Sea to counter China's threat of detaining "trespassers" starting June 15.
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The Philippine Navy has strongly condemned the recent military exercises conducted by China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) in Sabina Shoal, located within the West Philippine Sea.
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