Philippine military leaders urge Filipino fishermen to continue their normal fishing operations in the country’s Exclusive Economic Zone in the South China Sea without fear, despite the new regulations by the Chinese coast guard that came into effect on June 15.
On Friday, Philippine Armed Forces chief of staff Romeo Brawner stated during a press conference that they are sending a message to their fishermen, encouraging them not to be afraid and to carry out their activities in the Exclusive Economic Zone.
“We have the right to develop resources in this area, so our fishermen have no reason to be afraid,” he added. However, he also expressed concern over the new regulations by the Chinese coast guard, calling it a “provocation.”
According to the South China Morning Post, Filipino opposition groups and fishermen’s associations protested the new regulations in front of the Chinese Embassy in Manila on Friday, June 14.
President Marcos of the Philippines stated on May 29 that China’s newly announced regulations could escalate regional tensions and create concerns regarding the possible detention of Filipino citizens. He described it as a situation that could lead to escalation.
Previously, a spokesperson for the Philippine National Security Council, Jonathan Malaya, mentioned during a press conference on May 20 that China has no authority to control the high seas, and their latest regulations go against international law, constituting a scare tactic aimed at coercing neighboring Asian countries. Malaya emphasized that the Philippines will not yield to intimidation or coercion by the Chinese coast guard.
The new regulations by the Chinese government claim to be based on a law from 2021 that allows the Chinese coast guard to use deadly force against foreign ships in areas they claim sovereignty over, as well as detain individuals suspected of illegally entering these areas for 60 days without trial.
The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs previously stated that the new rules aim to preserve maritime order and that individuals and organizations with no illegal actions need not worry.
China has long claimed nearly the entire South China Sea, including parts contested by the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Vietnam.
The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs has condemned the new Chinese regulations, citing a direct violation of international law.
China’s actions have drawn international attention and condemnation.
The United States has urged China not to defend unilateral actions that undermine regional peace, emphasizing that under the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, Chinese domestic law does not apply to ships flying the flags of other countries in their Exclusive Economic Zone or the high seas.
The U.S. State Department spokesperson stated, “Enforcement actions will escalate tensions and harm regional peace and security; we have urged Beijing and all claimant states to handle their maritime claims in accordance with international law as reflected in the 1982 Convention.”
Taiwan’s Coast Guard Administration issued a statement saying they would enhance fishery protection missions to safeguard the safety of fishermen, uphold navigation rights, and defend national sovereignty. They also criticized China’s actions, stating they pose a serious threat to regional peace and stability.
In recent years, China has not only escalated tensions in the disputed South China Sea with the Philippines but has also increased military activities near democratic Taiwan, considering it as its own territory and threatening to use force.
The U.S. not only has a mutual defense treaty with the Philippines but is also legally bound to provide Taiwan with defense means.
(Reference: Reuters)