On May 27, the Philippines Department of Foreign Affairs lodged a protest against the unilateral implementation of a four-month fishing ban by the Chinese authorities in the South China Sea, urging China to cease actions that violate Philippine sovereignty.
According to Reuters, the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs stated on Monday that the Philippines called on the Chinese authorities to “stop and desist” from their “illegal actions” infringing on Philippine sovereignty and sovereign rights.
In a statement, the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs emphasized that China’s unilateral imposition of a fishing ban exacerbated tensions in the West Philippine Sea and the South China Sea.
China routinely enforces fishing bans in the South China Sea, a move typically opposed by the Philippines. This year, the fishing ban started in May and is expected to last until September.
China’s territorial claims in the South China Sea overlap with sovereignty claims by the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei. In a 2016 ruling, an international tribunal deemed China’s territorial claims in the South China Sea illegal, a ruling China has adamantly rejected.
The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs stated that China’s announced fishing ban covers waters within the Philippines’ territorial jurisdiction, encroaching on the country’s sovereignty.
The Chinese Embassy in Manila did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Tensions between China and the Philippines in the South China Sea continue to escalate. China recently unveiled detailed regulations on the enforcement procedures of the Coast Guard, allowing Chinese Coast Guard ships to fire on foreign vessels.
Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro expressed on the 24th that openly permitting Chinese Coast Guard ships to fire on foreign vessels is “a form of provocation.”
Teodoro, speaking on the Philippine Navy’s founding anniversary, stated, “Such actions not only violate the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea but also contravene the provisions of the United Nations Charter, which obligate every responsible state to refrain from using force or coercion in enforcing illegal maritime territorial claims.”
In April and May this year, the Philippines and the United States conducted their annual joint military exercises in the South China Sea. The Philippines, the United States, Australia, and Japan also held joint naval exercises this year.
Teodoro mentioned in his speech that the Philippines will continue to enhance security alliances to defend the country’s territorial sovereignty.
Under the Philippines-United States Mutual Defense Treaty, the United States is obligated to assist the Philippines in self-defense if Philippine military forces, aircraft, or vessels come under armed attack, including in the South China Sea region.