NMC: China's aggression vs. PH research vessels is illegal interference

The National Maritime Council (NMC) condemned Friday the aggression of China’s Coast Guard personnel against Philippine research vessels in the West Philippine Sea, calling China’s actions an unlawful interference.

The NMC referred to the May 21 incident where BRP Datu Sanday (MMOV 3002) and BRP Datu Pagbuaya (MMOV 3003) of the Department of Agriculture Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) were attacked by a water cannon and sideswiped by Chinese vessels.

At the time of the incident, the Philippine vessels were conducting routine maritime scientific research mission in the vicinity of Pag-asa Cay 2 (Sandy Cay) via routine sampling and data collection operations in support of national programs on food security, fisheries management and maritime environmental protection.

They were reportedly shadowed, blocked, attacked by water cannon and sideswiped by the Chinese vessels,

The incident occurred within the territorial sea of the Philippines in the area of Pag-asa Island and Pag-asa Cay 2.

“The Philippines has longstanding sovereignty and jurisdiction over Pag-asa Island and all of its cays, which form part of the Philippines' Kalayaan Island Group in the West Philippine Sea. As such, these deliberate acts of interference and intimidation seriously violate the sovereignty of the Philippines and constitute a grave violation of international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and the relevant domestic laws,” the NMC said.

“It is deeply regrettable that while the Philippines' lawful and routine maritime operations have not been provocative, these have been met by a pattern of coercive actions, unsafe conduct and blatant disinformation by Chinese maritime forces,” the NMC added.

The NMC cited that while the Philippines remain committed to the peaceful settlement of disputes, it will continue to exercise its rights, protect its maritime interests, and uphold the mandates of the civilian agencies, like the DA- BFAR, in carrying out their responsibilities in its waters.

“Appropriate diplomatic actions, multilateral cooperation, and maritime capacity-building will be undertaken and sustained to ensure the safety and effectiveness of Philippine maritime operations,” the NMC added.

Earlier, the China Coast Guard (CCG) said that it took “control measures” against the Philippine vessels which it said “illegally intruded” into waters near Subi Reef and Sandy Cay.

CCG spokesperson Liu Dejun also claimed that one of the Philippine vessels “dangerously” approached and collided with a CCG ship, and that responsibility “lies entirely” with the Philippine side.

It was on July 12, 2016 when the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague ruled in favor of the Philippines over China's claims in the South China Sea, saying that it had “no legal basis.”

The decision also ruled that Ayungin Shoal, the Spratly Islands, Panganiban or Mischief Reef, and Recto or Reed Bank are within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

Further, the Hague court outlawed Chinese aggression in the Philippines’ EEZ by stating that Scarborough Shoal, a rich fish resource, is a common fishing ground.

China, however, has never recognized the ruling. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News