China asserted ‘illegal claims’ in the South China Sea and argued the presence of their largest vessel in the area as ‘consistent within China’s domestic law.’
The Philippine Coast Guard reported on Saturday that China’s largest coast guard vessel dubbed as ‘Monster Ship,’ has anchored within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone in Escoda Shoal, a move perceived by Philippine officials as an act of intimidation amid high-level talks last week aimed at rebuilding trust between the two nations.
“The presence of this 12,000-ton CCG ship near BRP Sierra Madre is part of a broader pattern of intrusive patrols aimed at asserting unlawful claims over areas within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone,” the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) emphasized in a statement.
China defended its deployment of the ‘Monster Ship’ and asserted that the Escoda Shoal where it anchored is part of its ‘nine-dash-line claims’ and not the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone.
“To patrol and conduct law enforcement activities by Chinese military and Coast Guard vessels in the waters near Xianbin Jiao is within China’s domestic law and international law, including UNCLOS,” Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian added in the press conference.
Earlier, China refused to take responsibility for the damages following the aggressive actions and harassment by the China Coast Guard against Philippine Navy troops during a resupply mission at Ayungin Shoal.
Rejecting the AFP’s demand for P60 million in damages, China asserted that the Philippines should ‘face the consequences of its own action.’
Japan continued to oppose the “unlawful maritime claims” and strongly condemned China’s dangerous and aggressive acts against the Philippines during the 2+2 Foreign and Defense Ministerial Meetings with the Philippines.
In their statement, the ministers stressed “the need for the international community to speak out on the importance of maintaining and strengthening the free and open international order based on the rule of law.”
The ministers emphasized the importance of upholding a free and open international order based on the rule of law, further expressing serious concern over China’s provocative actions at Second Thomas Shoal, which have obstructed maritime traffic and disrupted supply lines, thus exacerbating tensions.
The Philippines and Japan reiterated their cooperation in promoting adherence to international law, particularly UNCLOS, and called on China to abide by the 2016 Arbitral Award, which is considered final and legally binding regarding the South China Sea disputes.
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