By: Margaret Padilla
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The Philippine department of foreign affairs (DFA) blamed the Chinese vessels for interfering with a joint marine scientific research mission and energy exploration activities at two locations in the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in a statement issued on Tuesday.
According to Reuters, the Philippines filed a diplomatic protest with China for unilaterally announcing a South China Sea fishing ban and complaints about harassment and violations of its jurisdiction by Beijing’s coast guard.
The coast guard’s actions, as per the foreign affairs ministry, were “not consistent with an innocent passage and are clear violations of Philippine maritime jurisdiction.”
It also admonished China’s imposition of a fishing moratorium aimed at restoring fish stocks, an annual ban that includes waters within Vietnam’s and the Philippines’ EEZs.
The protest raised the difficulties that will be encountered in seeking viable economic ties with China while refusing to appear to accede in the face of what the military perceives to be illegal provocations at sea by Beijing.
It did not explain why it took more than a month to respond to the incidents.
Meanwhile, President-elect Ferdinand Marcos asserted last week that he will safeguard the sovereign territory and oppose Chinese intrusion.
However, according to Reuters, analysts believe his 2022 election victory will be more beneficial to Beijing than to Washington.
Following a conversation with Chinese President Xi Jinping, the new president stated that bilateral ties would be raised to a new level. (Photo: Reuters)