By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Calling the latest harassment incident “unacceptable”, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has demanded that all Chinese vessels leave the Ayungin Shoal which is within the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of the Philippines.
On Tuesday (5 March 2024) afternoon, the DFA summoned the Chinese Deputy Chief of Mission as it lodged a diplomatic protest against the aggressive actions carried out by Chinese vessels against Philippine ships during a rotation and resupply mission to Ayungin Shoal.
“During the meeting, the Philippines stressed, among others, that China’s interference with the Philippines’ routine and lawful activities in its exclusive economic zone is unacceptable. China’s actions in Ayungin Shoal infringe upon the Philippines’ sovereign rights and jurisdiction,” the DFA said in a statement.
Aware of the increasing international support for the country’s cause, the DFA boldly said: “The Philippines demands that Chinese vessels leave the vicinity of Ayungin Shoal immediately.”
The DFA underscored that the Ayungin Shoal is within the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone, as stated in international law.
“Ayungin Shoal is a low-tide elevation within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone and continental shelf. By the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea and the final and binding 2016 Arbitral Award, it cannot be appropriated for sovereignty claims. International law affirms that the Philippines exercises sovereign rights and jurisdiction over the feature,” the DFA further stressed.
(el Amigo/MNM)
