MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine government is considering filing a case against China before a United Nations body following the Chinese Coast Guard’s “unprofessional and dangerous” acts that damaged Philippine vessels near the Escoda Shoal in the West Philippine Sea, National Maritime Council spokesman Alexander Lopez said Tuesday.
In a Palace press briefing, Lopez said that such actions by Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) vessels violated international law, including United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and the 1972 Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea.
“We are looking at that especially the part of the Coast Guard because they know more,” Lopez said about the filing of a case against China following the recent collision.
Lopez said that China’s “illegal actions do not contribute to confidence building measures necessary for the improvement of relations on the basis of mutual respect and for a rules-based international order.”
“Hence, the Philippines urges China to refrain from aggressive actions and adhere to international law,” Lopez said.
“The Philippines expresses serious concern over the deliberate harassment and infringement by China against Philippine sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction in the West Philippine Sea,” he added.
Lopez also reiterated that the Philippine government remained committed to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive for a diplomatic approach and the peaceful resolution of disputes.
“The Philippines will continue to uphold its rights and jurisdiction in the West Philippine Sea; sustain our routine maritime activities; and protect its territory and maritime zones from environmental degradation and other illegal activities,” he said.
At the same Palace press briefing, Presidential Assistant on Maritime Concerns Andres Centino confirmed that the case against China could be filed before UN bodies.
He said that upon the creation of the National Maritime Council, three new members were added, including the Solicitor General, the National Security Adviser, and the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency chief.
”That actually signifies the intent of the government to consider perhaps a filing of a case… the Solicitor General is tasked to do these things,” Centino said.
Be the first to comment