The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) filed two new diplomatic notes in protest against the “continuous deployment, lingering presence, and activities of Chinese vessels” in the West Philippine Sea on Wednesday (April 21).
In a statement, the department said the presence of the vessels “blatantly infringe upon [the] Philippine sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction.”
According to the department, the activities of the Chinese fishing vessels and maritime militia continue in the Kalayaan Island group, Bajo de Masinloc, and Ayungin Shoal. The DFA reiterated that the said bodies of water, including the Panata, Parola, Kota Islands, Chigua, and Burgos Reefs, are areas under Philippine jurisdiction.
“The DFA has been demanding that China adhere to international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the final and binding Arbitral Award of the 12 July 2016 South China Sea Arbitration.”
Report from Naomi Tiburcio/NGS-jlo
