By: Margaret Padilla
Malacañang opposed China’s claim to Panatag or Scarborough Shoal (also known as Bajo de Masinloc) and its surrounding waters.
“The Philippines maintains full sovereignty over Bajo de Masinloc and its territorial sea. Also its sovereign rights and jurisdiction over the surrounding EEZ (exclusive economic zone) and continental shelf,” Andanar said on Tuesday in a press release.
Acting Presidential Spokesperson Martin Andanar made the statement after Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin stated on Monday that China has sovereignty over Bajo de Masinloc and its surrounding waters, “as well as sovereign rights and jurisdiction over relevant waters.”
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported over the weekend that on March 2, 2022, a Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) ship conducted a “close distance maneuvering” towards one of its ships, BRP Malabrigo, in Bajo de Masinloc.
During the incident, the Philippine ship was conducting a maritime patrol in the area when it nearly collided with the Chinese ship. The two ships are estimated to be about twenty-one feet apart.
However, Wang urged the PCG to “respect” China’s claim to its waters. The Chinese spokesman explained that the CCG’s action was only justified because the disputed shoal is “China’s territory.”
“Huangyan Dao is China’s inherent territory. We hope that the Philippine ships will sincerely respect China’s sovereignty, rights, and interests. Abide by China’s domestic law and international law, and avoid interfering with the China Coast Guard’s patrol and law enforcement in the above-mentioned waters,” Wang said, referring to a moniker used by China to refer to Bajo de Masinloc.