THE Philippine Navy criticized the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) of China after it conducted military exercises in Sabina Shoal, which is part of the WPS.
In a press briefing, Commodore Roy Vincent Trinidad, spokesperson for the Philippine Navy for the West Philippine Sea, said they monitored China’s actions.
“The PLA conducted an exercise in Sabina Shoal from 1100 to 1800. We were able to monitor and challenge all their actions in Sabina Shoal,” according to Comm. Roy Vincent Trinidad, Spokesperson for WPS, PN
According to Trinidad, China launched hovercraft and aircraft and conducted maneuvers at sea during the military exercise.
“Last June 2, the PLA announced that they would be conducting an exercise in a certain area in Sabina Shoal. After the announcement, they started from 1100 to 1800, 11 am to 6 pm.”
“This included the launching of the hovercraft, their aircraft, and some maneuvers at sea,” Trinidad added.
The official stated that China has no right to conduct military exercises within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone.
“First and foremost, they have no right to be within our EEZ. The conduct of an exercise is not allowed, it is unauthorized under UNCLOS. It’s not allowed,” Trinidad said.
The entire Philippine armed forces reiterated their stance that they will not be intimidated by China’s bullying.
“Their actions are all illegal, not within the bounds of international law, and the AFP will not be deterred in performing its mandate,” he stated.
Meanwhile, the number of Chinese ships in the West Philippine Sea has increased.
According to Trinidad, the number rose from 112 ships to 125 last week.
“First and foremost, we have monitored 125 ships on the eight features, including Panatag and Julian Felipe. This is more than the same 122 from last week,” he added.
Recently, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) sent a ship to Sabina Shoal to monitor the area due to China’s illegal reclamation activities.
Sabina Shoal serves as the rendezvous point for vessels carrying out resupply missions to Filipino troops stationed on the BRP Sierra Madre grounded at Ayungin Shoal.
