China urges PH to stop ‘maritime provocation’ in WPS

China has called on the Philippine government to “immediately cease maritime infringement and provocation” in the disputed West Philippine Sea (WPS), warning it would take “strong measures,” according to Chinese Embassy spokesperson Ji Lingpeng on Sunday.

Beijing issued the statement in response to an earlier pronouncement by Manila’s National Maritime Council condemning what it described as aggressive and dangerous actions by the China Coast Guard, the People’s Liberation Army Navy, the Chinese Maritime Militia, and other Chinese maritime forces in the area.

The Chinese Embassy, however, rejected the Philippines’ claims, saying they were “entirely fabricated” and intended to “smear China, confuse public perception, mislead public opinion, and deliberately tarnish China’s image.”

It maintained that China’s actions are consistent with international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

“The actions of the Philippine side infringe upon China’s territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, violate international law including UNCLOS and the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, undermine maritime navigation safety, and exacerbate tensions at sea,” the embassy spokesperson said.

“China will never allow the Philippine side to act recklessly and will continue to take strong measures in accordance with law and regulations to firmly safeguard its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, as well as peace and stability in the South China Sea,” he added.

The Philippines refers to portions of the South China Sea within its exclusive economic zone as the West Philippine Sea, covering waters west of the Philippine archipelago, including areas around the Kalayaan Island Group and Bajo de Masinloc.

In 2016, an international arbitral tribunal in The Hague ruled in favor of the Philippines, declaring that China’s expansive claims in the South China Sea had “no legal basis” under UNCLOS. China has rejected the ruling.

China also accused the Philippines of initiating provocations, while reiterating its position that maritime disputes should be resolved through dialogue and consultation.

“The Philippine side should demonstrate sincerity, match words with deeds, immediately cease maritime infringement and provocation, stop hyping up the maritime situation, and return to the correct track of resolving maritime issues through dialogue and consultation,” the embassy said.

GMA News Online has sought comment from the Armed Forces of the Philippines and other concerned agencies but has yet to receive a response as of posting.—MCG, GMA News