Danniell Domingo

Due to China’s  continuing pattern of  aggression in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), the National Maritime Council (NMC) condemned the ‘hostile’ actions by the China Coast Guard (CCG), citing them as violations of international law.

Photo Courtesy of Presidential Office of Maritime Concerns.

In a statement on Dec. 4, the NMC reiterated its commitment to international law and affirmed it will continue to conduct maritime patrols and protect its national interests.

“These maritime zones (Bajo De Masinloc and Escoda Shoal) are in accordance with UNCLOS, the 2016 Arbitral Award, and the Philippine Maritime Zones Act (RA 12064). Hence, the Philippines is well within its rights to conduct routine maritime activities in the area,” the NMC said.

The Philippine government also calls on China to avoid further aggressive actions and participate in peaceful dialogue. 

“It calls on China to exercise self-restraint and fully demonstrate its commitment to dialogue and consultation and the peaceful settlement of disputes between States,” the NMC said.

The incident happened near Bajo De Masinloc (BDM) on  Dec. 4, when the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) vessels were harassed by the China Coast Guard (CCG) and People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN).

On the same day, Chinese vessels used water cannons and rammed a BFAR vessel near Escoda Shoal during a resupply mission.

The NMC stated that these actions belonged to a broader pattern of intimidation in the WPS.

“The aggressive posture of the Chinese vessels highlights a continuing pattern of aggression, coercion and intimidation within Philippine waters,” the NMC said, citing that it was an affront to the expected mutual respect between countries.

Meanwhile, the PCG Spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela said in a press briefing that Chinese vessels targeted its navigations and communications equipment to “cause damage”. 

“This is actually an overkill. Our BFAR ship is so small compared to this humongous vessel. They have disregarded the Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea,” he added.