CHINA SCOLDS PHL OVER SEA DISPUTE

MANILA, Philippines - China has accused the Philippines of “harming Beijing’s sovereignty and maritime rights and interests” that complicate the South China Sea dispute.

The China Daily reported Tuesday that Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei had claimed that China holds a long-term and consistent position on the South China Sea, and the position remains unchanged for centuries and is in accordance with international laws, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

“China asks the Philippine side to stop harming China’s sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, which leads to unilateral actions that expand and complicate South China Sea disputes. The Philippine side should stop publishing irresponsible statements that do not match the facts,” Hong said.

Beijing also rejected on Tuesday the Philippines’ accusation on the South China Sea issue.

“Chinese vessels were cruising and carrying out scientific studies in waters under China’s jurisdiction, and their activities were in line with the law,” Hong said.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) conveyed to the Chinese embassy on Friday its protest over the increasing presence and activities of Chinese vessels, including naval assets, in the West Philippine Sea.

Even as China belied the incursion of Chinese ships in the West Philippine Sea, the DFA said the presence and actions of Chinese vessels in the area are “confirmed” and “actionable” reports leading to the filing of the diplomatic protest.This protest followed a series of protests already filed by the DFA since the Reed Bank incident in March.The Philippines filed a diplomatic protest after the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) reported to the DFA last Feb. 25 that a Chinese Navy vessel fired warning shots near Filipino fishing boats at the Quirino Atoll that is inside Philippine territorial waters near the West Philippine Sea.

The DFA said that these actions of Chinese vessels hamper the normal and legitimate fishing activities of Filipino fishermen in the area and undermine the peace and stability of the region.

The increasing activity of Chinese vessels in the South China Sea also violated maritime jurisdiction, and disobeyed the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties (DOC) in the South China Sea.

The DOC, a basic fundamental pillar of cooperation signed by members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and China, intends to reduce tension and peacefully resolve claims over the South China Sea and improve the general political climate in the disputed islands.



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