Malacañang on Thursday assured that the filing of diplomatic protest against the new sea law of China will not affect the Philippines’ vaccine procurement.
The new maritime law of China authorizes its coast guard to use force or firing at foreign vessels in the territories it is claiming.
“Walang epekto ‘yan dahil ibang usapin naman ang bakuna (That has no impact because the vaccine is a different matter). Ang bakuna (The vaccine) is actually a humanitarian act of the entire planet earth in response to a humanitarian disaster,” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque stated.
The Philippines has already been having negotiations with Chinese vaccine developers, including Sinovac, to secure COVID-19 vaccine supply for the country. At least 25 million doses of Sinovac vaccines are set to arrive in the country this year.
Malacañang welcomed the diplomatic protest filed by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), saying that “it will prove that the Philippines is fully committed to the rule of law and will assert all its rights available under existing principles of international law to defend its interests.”
“This is consistent with our position that while states can enact laws as part of their sovereignty, they must do so in compliance with UN Charter prohibiting the use of force unless by way of self defense or when authorized by the security council,” Sec.Roque added.
The use of force was also questioned considering the prohibition on arresting illegal fishermen under the The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
“Our independent foreign policy is intended to be friends with everyone and enemies with no one, but we will protect and secure the Philippine national interest,” Sec. Roque assured. – PTV News Online
