The Department of National Defense (DND) has made the
strongest statement regarding China’s blatant disregard of the country’s exclusive
right over its territories in the West Philippine Sea(WPS).
“The utter disregard by the Chinese Embassy in
Manila of international law especially the UNCLOS to which China is a
party is appalling. Its nine-dash line claim is without any factual or
legal basis. This, together with its so-called historical claim, was
flatly and categorically rejected by the arbitral tribunal,” National Defense
Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said in a statement April 4 in response to Chinese
Embassy in Manila’s statement on April 3.
“The Philippines’ claims stand on solid ground,
while China’s do not,” Secretary Lorenzana added. “China should respect
Philippine sovereignty over the Kalayaan Islands, and its sovereign rights
over its Exclusive Economic Zone as defined by UNCLOS and affirmed by the
arbitral award.”
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| (photo credit to owner) |
DND Sec. Lorenzana has noted that their continued presence in
the area reveals their true intent to further occupy other features in the West
Philippine Sea.
“They have done this before at Panatag
Shoal or Bajo de Masinloc and at Panganiban Reef brazenly violating
Philippine sovereignty and sovereign rights under international law,” he added.
“As a party to the DOC, China should refrain from conducting activities
that disturb regional and international peace and security.”
In a statement released by the Chinese Embassy in Manila said
on April 3 that “the Niu’e Jiao (Julian Felipe Reef) is part of China’s Nansha
(Spratly) Islands. The waters around Niu’e Jiao has been a traditional fishing
ground for Chinese fishermen for many years.”
The Chinese embassy made the statement after
Secretary Lorenzana said “the Chinese Ambassador has a lot of explaining to do.
As of our latest maritime and aerial surveillance, there are still forty-four
(44) Chinese vessels that are in Julian Felipe Reef. I am no fool. The weather
has been good so far, so they have no other reason to stay there. These vessels
should be on their way out. Umalis na kayo diyan.”
“The Chinese fishermen have been fishing in the
waters for their livelihood every year. It is completely normal for Chinese
fishing vessels to fish in the waters and take shelter near the reef during
rough sea conditions. Nobody has the right to make wanton remarks on such
activities,” the Chinese embassy noted. “China is committed to
safeguarding peace and stability in the waters and we hope that authorities
concerned would make constructive efforts and avoid any unprofessional remarks
which may further fan irrational emotions.”
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