PH LODGES PROTEST AGAINST CHINA’S FISHING BAN IN WEST PHILIPPINE SEA

MANILA — The Philippines voices another protest against China’s annual enforcement of a fishing moratorium in the South China Sea, encroaching upon areas within the Philippine exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

This marks the 25th diplomatic objection lodged against China this year alone and the 158th during the Marcos administration, as disclosed by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).

Asserting that China’s unilateral fishing ban breaches the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (Unclos), the DFA contends that such actions exacerbate tensions in the West Philippine Sea and the broader South China Sea, contradicting the understanding forged between President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Chinese President Xi Jinping aimed at de-escalating maritime disputes.

The DFA strongly calls upon China to halt illegal activities infringing upon Philippine sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction in maritime zones. China’s imposition of a nearly five-month fishing ban in the South China Sea from May 1 to Sept. 16, along with its plan to detain foreigners for 60 days without trial starting June 15 within waters it claims, draws sharp criticism from the Philippines.

Instead, the Philippines urges China to adhere to international law, notably the 1982 Unclos and the binding 2016 Arbitral Award. Additionally, it calls for compliance with commitments outlined in the 2002 Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea.

Referencing Paragraph 716 of the 2016 arbitral award, which unequivocally denounces any Chinese fishing moratorium encompassing the Philippine EEZ as a violation of Article 56 of Unclos about the Philippines’ sovereign rights over marine resources, the DFA reiterates the baselessness of China’s expansive claims in the South China Sea.

The DFA stresses the importance of de-escalating maritime tensions by emphasizing that the unilateral imposition of fishing bans heightens tensions and directly undermines diplomatic efforts to manage differences through dialogue.

(el Amigo/MNM)