PH Defense chief condemns latest Chinese actions in Ayungin Shoal

Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. on Friday slammed the increased number of Chinese vessels earlier reported in the vicinity of Ayungin Shoal, saying that such action should be condemned. 

“First, the activities of China in any area whether in the [BRP] Sierra Madre or any area under their nebulous claims, a matter not only of concern but of condemnation. Because these are in gross violations of international law, and actually it is a product of a false narrative,” said Teodoro in a press briefing.

“I have even seen some social media posts saying that they are the progenitors of certain areas in the Philippines, so the information is as disgusting as their activities, and we need to stand up to these,” he added. 

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said on Thursday that it has observed an increase in the presence of Chinese vessels in the Ayungin Shoal, which is within the country’s 200-mile exclusive economic zone, following a maritime domain awareness monitoring in the area last August 20. 

The AFP added that there were a total of five China Coast Guard (CCG) vessels present, supported by 11  RHIBs/fast boats and nine Chinese maritime militia vessels. There were also aerial assets monitored, it added. 

“China Coast Guard vessels have been seen conducting maneuvers and drills involving the use of water cannons at sea, while a number of smaller craft such as rigid-hulled inflatable boats (RHIBs) and fast boats, were also deployed inside the shoal,” the AFP said in a statement. 

“Some of the CCG’s fast boats were also observed to have been upgraded with mounted weapons, including heavy crew-served weapons,” it added.

Further, while the security relationship of the Philippines with its allies, particularly with the United States, remains strong, Teodoro said that the activities of China are already beyond their control.  

“What we cannot control are the unilateral activities of China. Hence, the need for deterring China and giving a strong message that their activities will not be tolerated by the international community and not only us. Because these are in gross violations of international law,” the Philippine defense chief said. 

“And no matter how they answer, the fact is they are answering for the benefit of their own people and not the world. Because the world cannot be presumed to be unthinking so as to accept hook, line, and sinker what they are saying,” Tedoro added.

In 2016, an international arbitration tribunal 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." China has not recognized the decision. —LDF, GMA Integrated News