cross-posted from: https://scribe.disroot.org/post/8117688
The National Maritime Council (NMC) has strongly condemned a series of “aggressive and dangerous” actions by Chinese maritime forces against Philippine vessels, personnel, and local fisherfolk in the West Philippine Sea throughout March.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the President-led council cited multiple incidents involving the China Coast Guard, the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLA-N), and Chinese maritime militia.
“These unlawful acts endanger lives, violate international law, and undermine regional peace and stability,” it said.
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“These incidents occurred in areas where the Philippines has sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction,” the council added.
According to the NMC, Philippine operations in these areas were lawful and consistent with the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (Unclos) and the 2016 arbitral award.
In contrast, China’s actions ran counter to international law and the 2002 Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea.
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Among the most serious incidents was one on March 7, when a Chinese naval vessel reportedly directed its fire-control radar at the Philippine Navy’s BRP Miguel Malvar near Escoda Shoal (Sabina Shoal) —an act the council described as a “threat of force.”
On March 17, Filipino fishermen operating near Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal) were allegedly harassed by Chinese vessels through dangerous maneuvers, sirens, and the deployment of rigid-hulled inflatable boats.
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“The country also reiterates its call on China to withdraw and direct its vessels and maritime assets to cease and desist from illegal, provocative, and dangerous actions against Philippine vessels, and to stop activities that violate Philippine sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction; and to comply with its obligations under international law,” it added.
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