THE Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) yesterday lashed out at China which recently reiterated its rights over the South China Sea where Chinese vessels have been harassing Philippine ships in the past months.
Commodore Jay Tarriela, PCG spokesman for the West Philippine Sea, said in remarks on X (formerly Twitter) that China’s “imperialist and ambitious” efforts to control the entire South China has become obvious.
The Philippines refers to the part of South China Sea within its exclusive economic zone as the West Philippines Sea.
“The issue with engaging in discussions with China is that they persistently adhere to their own narrative, even going so far as to interpret the ruling of the international tribunal as illegal and invalid,” he said in reaction to the remarks of the Chinese embassy spokesperson who on Saturday refuted statements made by visiting German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock.
Tarriela said China’s behavior is “concerning for the international community.”
“It is critical for all nations to come together and denounce such interpretations as a direct challenge to the international institutions that uphold peace and order in the world,” he Tarriela.
On Thursday last week, Baerbock criticized China’s activities in the South China Sea, including the use of lasers and water cannon, against the Philippines. Baerbock said the “risky maneuvers” violate the rights and economic development opportunities of the Philippines and neighboring countries.
She said the 2016 Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) that dismissed China’s excessive claim in the South China Sea is “crystal clear,” adding China’s claims are not covered by international law. She also said China “put into question the freedom of navigation and international law, affecting all countries worldwide.”
Baerbock also said the world does not need another crisis, adding Germany is going to support efforts to ease tension in the area, build trust among competing countries, and prevent tension.
China, the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan have overlapping claims in the South China Sea.
On Saturday, the Chinese embassy in Manila accused Germany of “disregarding facts” and making “unwarranted accusations” about Chinese policy in the South China Sea and its “legitimate and lawful actions.”
In a statement, the Chinese embassy spokesperson said “China’s sovereignty, rights and interests in the South China Sea have been established in the long course of history, are solidly grounded in history and the law, and are consistent with international law including the UN Charter.”
It said the territorial dispute between China and Philippines is beyond the scope of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea which provides coastal states like the Philippines a 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone.
It said the PCA ruling is “illegal, null and void, and completely invalid.” It stressed China “does not accept or recognize it, and will never accept any claim or action based on the award.”
Chinese vessels in the past months harassed Philippine Coast Guard and military-chartered boats delivering supplies to troops stationed at Ayungin Shoal, one of the nine features occupied by Philippines in the West Philippine Sea in the South China Sea.
The Philippine vessels have been subjected to dangerous maneuvers, water cannoning, use of military-grade lasers, and even ramming.
The last Chinese harassment of a Philippine resupply mission at Ayungin Shoal was on December 10. The mission was carried out by supply boats Unaizah Mae 1 and M/L Kalayaan and PCG ships BRP Cabra and BRP Sindangan.
Armed Forces chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr, who joined the mission, was on board Unaizah Mae 1, personally witnessing the dangerous maneuvers, water cannoning and ramming of the boat.
“China’s imperialistic and ambitious pursuit of control over the entire South China Sea is evident, as they not only disregard the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea but also challenge all international laws that promote and maintain peace,” said Tarriela.
“President Xi Jinping sees China’s economic and military growth as a justification to defy and completely disregard international institutions,” he added.
