Philippines Condemns China Ship's Harassment, Tensions Rise in South China Sea

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) stated that there is "no justification" for the China Coast Guard (CCG) vessel's actions against a Philippine civilian vessel, which occurred off Palawan on Friday. "There is no justification for the CCG vessel to undertake aggressive actions against a Philippine civilian law enforcement vessel and cause damage to the ship and endanger the safety of the civilian crew," the DFA said. The incident involved a CCG ship and the BRP Datu Magat Salamat, a law enforcement civilian vessel of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR). "The Philippines emphasizes that the BFAR vessel was merely conducting routine and lawful humanitarian activities to support Filipino fisherfolk in the West Philippine Sea," the DFA added. The DFA noted that the CCG vessel’s "illegal, coercive, aggressive and dangerous acts are inconsistent with China’s obligations under international law, including UNCLOS and the 2016 Arbitral Award, the 1972 International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS) and the 1974 Safety of Life at Sea Convention (SOLAS)." "The Philippines calls on China to respect Philippine sovereign rights within its exclusive economic zone in accordance with UNCLOS as affirmed by the 2016 Arbitral Award, exercise restraint and avoid actions that could further escalate tensions in the region," the DFA said. This incident highlights the ongoing tensions in the South China Sea, where China's assertive maritime claims frequently clash with those of the Philippines and other regional nations. The DFA's strong condemnation underscores the Philippines' commitment to upholding international law and its sovereign rights within its EEZ.