THE Chinese Foreign Ministry has issued a statement regarding the collision between Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) vessels in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
In a statement, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning said that on August 19, two Philippine maritime vessels entered waters adjacent to Xianbin Jiao (Escoda Shoal) without authorization from the Chinese government.
The Philippines allegedly ignored warnings from the China Coast Guard and took dangerous actions by deliberately colliding with the CCG vessel.
The Chinese official emphasized that Xianbin Jiao, also known as Escoda Shoal, is part of China’s territory.
“I would like to stress that Xianbin Jiao is part of China’s Nansha Qundao. It has always been China’s territory and uninhabited,” Mao Ning, Spokesperson, Chinese Foreign Ministry.
China accused the Philippines of sending coast guard vessels into Escoda Shoal waters in an attempt to supply a PCG vessel stationed in the area.
The official added that the Philippines’ actions seriously violate China’s sovereignty, breach the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC), and threaten peace and stability in the South China Sea.
China strongly opposes these actions and will continue to take resolute measures to safeguard its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests.
“China firmly opposes it and will continue to take resolute measures to safeguard its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests and uphold the sanctity of the DOC,” Mao Ning added.
The Chinese official also stated that the CCG’s actions were in accordance with domestic and international law.
“China Coast Guard took necessary measures in accordance with domestic and international law. Its maneuvers at the scene were professional, restrained and appropriate,” she added.
DFA considering diplomatic protest against China over incident near Escoda Shoal
Meanwhile, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is considering a diplomatic protest against China regarding the incident at Escoda Shoal on Monday.
In a press briefing at Malacañang, Vice Admiral Alexander Lopez Jr., spokesperson for the National Maritime Council (NMC), stated that the move aligns with the Philippines’ goal to pursue a peaceful resolution to the issue.
“One of those actions that we are considering, as you all know, in any activities in the past, our Department of Foreign Affairs would probably file a diplomatic protest or note verbale and this is seriously being studied by the Department of Foreign Affairs,” according to VAdm. Alexander Lopez, Jr., Spokesperson, National Maritime Council.
On the Philippine side, Lopez stated that Chinese Coast Guard vessels collided with and damaged two PCG vessels around Escoda Shoal.
However, Lopez emphasized that the Philippines remains focused on resolving the issue peacefully through diplomatic channels and adhering to international agreements.
“If we move beyond a diplomatic or peaceful approach, you can imagine the consequences. More aggressive actions wouldn’t be in the best interest of our country, China, or the region,” Lopez added.
The official also mentioned that the DFA is considering extending its “provisional agreement” with China to cover more than the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
