China defies Philippine protests, says ‘law enforcement activities’ in South China Sea to continue

Defying dozens of diplomatic protests by the Philippines accusing China of repeatedly harassing its patrol vessels, Beijing defended its actions, saying its law enforcement activities in the disputed South China Sea are "legitimate and justified."

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin maintained Beijing's activities will continue despite Manila's complaints that Philippine government vessels were harassed by China while conducting maritime patrols in Philippine territorial waters.

"China's position on the South China Sea issue is consistent and clear-cut. It is legitimate and reasonable for China's maritime law enforcement authorities to conduct law enforcement activities in waters under China's jurisdiction in accordance with domestic laws and international laws, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea," Wang told a press briefing in Beijing on Oct.21.

The Department of Foreign Affairs said over 200 diplomatic protests were lodged against China  over "unlawful radio challenges, sounding of sirens, and blowing of horns" during patrols by Philippine vessels within the West Philippine Sea.

The Philippines and China have been embroiled in years-long territorial disputes in the South China Sea, particularly in its southern part called the Spratlys.

Parts of the South China Sea that falls within the Philippines' territory have been renamed West Philippine Sea by Manila.

A vital trading and shipping lane, the South China, also home to rich oil and mineral deposits, are claimed in part or in whole by the Philippines, China, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan.

China's vast territorial claims in the waters have sparked tensions and violent confrontations with smaller claimants, like the Philippines and Vietnam.

In 2016, the Philippines won against China in a landmark ruling in July 12, 2016 by the Netherlands-based Permanent Court of Arbitration, which invalidated Beijing’s massive and historic claim over the South China Sea. — RSJ, GMA News