NSC calls out China for ‘undiplomatic, uncalled for’ statements

The National Security Council of the Philippines (NSC) on Sunday called out the Chinese Foreign Ministry and the Chinese Embassy in Manila over recent statements it described as “undiplomatic and uncalled for.”

“The Philippines is a democracy governed by the rule of law. Public officials, spokespersons, and institutions are mandated to inform the Filipino people of developments affecting national security, including activities in the West Philippine Sea. This responsibility does not require approval from any foreign government,” the NSC said in a statement.

The NSC noted that disagreements between Manila and Beijing in the West Philippine Sea should be addressed through proper diplomatic channels, such as the existing Bilateral Consultation Mechanism.

“Public messaging that intimidates, threatens, or seeks to silence Philippine officials performing their lawful duties is inconsistent with the spirit and obligations of diplomatic engagement and clearly violates the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations,” it said.

The council further reiterated the Philippines’ rights over the disputed waters as recognized by the 2016 arbitration ruling.

“We wish to respectfully remind China that an independent tribunal constituted under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) issued an arbitral award in favor of the Philippines, which invalidated China’s so-called ‘nine-dash line’ as having no legal basis and affirmed the Philippines’ maritime rights in its exclusive economic zone," the NSC said.

"This ruling, supported by many nations, remains a cornerstone of international law and stability,” it added.

The Philippines refers to parts of the waters within its exclusive economic zone as the West Philippine Sea, or the maritime areas on the western side of the Philippine archipelago, including the Luzon Sea and the waters around, within, and adjacent to the Kalayaan Island Group and Bajo de Masinloc.—MCG, GMA Integrated News