The Department of Foreign Affairs stated in a statement on Thursday that the Philippines does not require permission from another nation in order to conduct business in its territorial waters.
The declaration was made in response to the Chinese military’s criticism of the Philippine Navy ship BRP Conrado Yap’s passage and activity on October 30 inside the country’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
“The Philippines’ administrative responsibility includes conducting maritime patrols in the waters surrounding Bajo de Masinloc, which is a legitimate and customary act of a sovereign nation in its territory and territorial sea,” the DFA stated.
The statement went on, “As the sovereign state, the Philippines is under no obligation to seek the approval of another when navigating its own territorial sea.”
China has started a number of events in the West Philippine Sea, such as water cannon attacks on Filipino fisherman and collisions with Philippine ships.
During a resupply trip in BRP Sierra Madre two weeks ago, the Chinese Coast Guard blockaded and rammed a vessel chartered by AFP.
The DFA has asked Beijing to remove its ships from the West Philippine Sea, citing international law.
Chinese authorities are “reminded that any activity that infringes upon the Philippines’ sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction in Bajo de Masinloc and the West Philippine Sea is a violation of international law, particularly UNCLOS and the Arbitral Award,” the DFA stated. Other violations include interfering with Philippine vessels, harassing and intimidating Filipino fishermen, and appearing to exercise maritime law enforcement powers.
China does not recognize Philippine sovereignty over the West Philippine Sea and its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), even after an arbitral verdict in favour of the Philippines in 2016.
