THE Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has rebuked China over its latest statement reiterating its supposed historic claim to the South China Sea while accusing Manila of instigating trouble in the disputed waters.
In a statement late Sunday night, the DFA said the claim of Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin asserting what it called Beijing’s historic rights over “Nanhai Zhudao” or the South China Sea is “baseless and misleading.”
“The 14 March 2024 statement of the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China on the supposed historic rights and sweeping claims of China on the South China Sea is baseless and misleading. The Philippines has long had sovereignty and exercised administrative control over Bajo de Masinloc, as well as various features west of Palawan which now form the Kalayaan Island Group,” DFA spokesperson Teresita Daza said.
“These features appeared and were clearly identified in the administrative maps of the Philippines during the Spanish colonial period, including the 1734 Murillo Velarde Map of the Philippines,” she added.
Bajo de Masinloc is also known as Scarborough Shoal or Panatag Shoal.
The Kalayaan Island Group, meanwhile, is part of the municipality of Kalayaan, Palawan and includes other features in the sea that are claimed by China, including Pag-asa Island and Ayungin Shoal.
Both are in the West Philippine Sea and within Manila’s 200-mile exclusive economic zone.
“As has been settled by the 2016 Arbitral Award, China’s claim to historic rights, or other sovereign rights or jurisdiction beyond the limits of the maritime entitlements provided by the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea or UNCLOS, are without legal effect,” Daza said.
Daza was referring to the case brought by Manila during the administration of the late President Benigno Aquino III before the Permanent Court of Arbitration challenging Beijing’s sweeping claim in South China under its so-called “nine-dash line.”
The arbitral panel junked Beijing’s massive claim, saying it has no historical or legal basis.
At the same time, Daza dismissed Wang’s claim that Manila is instigating trouble in the disputed waters, saying that the Philippines has never used the issue to heighten tension in the area.
“The Philippines maintain a stand against misguided claims and irresponsible actions that violate Philippine sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction in its maritime domain. The Philippines has never used the South China Sea issue to heighten tension, mislead the international community, or undermine peace and stability in the region,” Daza said.
Instead of its misleading claims, Daza said it would be better for Beijing to “reconsider its unfounded positions and claims.”
Earlier this month, retired Supreme Court Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio warned Filipinos to brace for an “inter-generational” struggle with China over the maritime territorial dispute.
Carpio said he does not see the dispute being resolved anytime soon.
Meanwhile, US Indo-Pacific Command chief Adm. John Aquilino condemned the recent Chinese harassment of a Philippine resupply mission at the Philippine-held Ayungin Shoal in the West Philippine Sea during a meeting with Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr on Wednesday last week at Camp Aguinaldo.
The Armed Forces announced AFP chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr met with Aquilino on Tuesday last week, also in Camp Aguinaldo, to discuss issues of mutual concern, including the March 5 Chinese harassment where four Navy personnel were injured when Chinese vessels conducted dangerous maneuvers and subjected to water cannoning a military-contracted civilian supply boat, Unaizah Mae 4. The boat’s windshield was shattered due to the impact of the water cannon.
A Philippine Coast Guard vessel escorting the mission was also damaged due to the collision initiated by Chinese vessels.
Unaizah Mae 4, which included AFP Western Command chief Vice Adm. Alberto Carlos as among the passengers, returned to mainland Palawan shortly after.
Another supply boat, Unaizah Mae 1, managed to accomplish its mission of bringing supplies to troops assigned at Ayungin Shoal, where Philippine troops are staying at the rusting Navy ship BRP Sierra Madre which is serving as a military outpost.
In a statement issued yesterday, the Department of National Defense said Aquilino commended Teodoro and Brawner “for their principled stance regarding the recent incident at the Ayungin Shoal.”
“He (Aquilino) condemned the actions of the Chinese Coast Guard and emphasized the importance of continued international engagement on the issue,” the DND said.
The DND said Aquilino and Teodoro “discussed areas of mutual concern” during their meeting, including “strengthening Philippine defense capabilities and the overall national defense system.”
It said Teodoro “highlighted the implementation of the Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept as a key strategy in achieving this goal” and the importance of fast-tracking the General Security of Military Information Agreement which is seen to “establish a framework for information technology collaboration between the two armed forces.”
“The meeting concluded with a reaffirmation of the Philippines’ and the US’ commitment to continued cooperation on security matters,” the DND added. — With Victor Reyes
