THE Philippines has strongly condemned China’s water cannoning of a Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) vessel that injured one crew member, and its broadcast that warned of live-fire exercises in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
On Wednesday, the National Maritime Council (NMC) denounced the illegal and hostile acts of China, and called on it yet again to respect international law.
“The provocative and dangerous actions of China’s vessels in the West Philippine Sea which placed lives and vessels at risk clearly violate the 1982 United Nations Convention of the Law of the Sea, the 2016 South China Sea arbitral award and relevant international maritime safety regulations,” the NMC said in a statement.
The Philippines said China must “cease its illegal, provocative and dangerous activities in the West Philippine Sea and instead help create an environment that’s conducive for diplomacy, dialogue and constructive approaches for the two countries’ bilateral relationship.”
On Sept. 16, a China Coast Guard ship and a Chinese maritime militia vessel fired water cannons at the Datu Gumbay as it was delivering fuel, food, water and other essential supplies to Filipino fisherfolk in the area.
A flying glass fragment injured a crew member.
The Philippine vessel escaped to safety.
On the same morning, a People’s Liberation Army navy warship announced through radio communications that it would conduct live-fire exercises, spreading fear among Filipino fishers in the area.
United States Ambassador MaryKay Carlson also condemned China’s aggression and praised the Philippine Coast Guard and the whole Philippine government for “professionally exercising Philippine sovereign rights protecting Filipino fisherfolk and upholding maritime law for a free and open Indo-Pacific.”
The Armed Forces of the Philippines said Chinese behavior in the WPS calms down whenever the Philippines would engage in maritime activities with other partner nations.
China maintains its opposition to the Philippines’ partnership with other countries showing condemnation against its sweeping claims in the contested waters.
Just recently, Beijing criticized Manila for conducting naval drills with Japan and the United States in the WPS.
Sen. Jinggoy Estrada on Wednesday called on the international community to take “serious note” of China’s latest provocation.
