Philippines rejects China's South China Sea fishing ban

The Philippine government rejected China's fishing ban in parts of the South China Sea, which began on May 1 and runs until August 16.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) stated that this moratorium infringes upon Philippine sovereignty over its waters and is without basis under international law.

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque advised Filipino fishers to continue fishing in their traditional grounds within the West Philippine Sea, asserting there is no extraterritorial application of foreign laws.