The government of the Philippines has filed a diplomatic protest over the “escalatory actions” of Chinese government vessels and aircraft in the South China Sea, accusing the nation of violating international law.
“The Philippines remains resolute in asserting and protecting its sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction in the [West Philippine Sea] and urges China to observe Philippine laws and comply with its obligations under international law, particularly [the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea],” the National Marine Council of the Philippines said in a 13 January statement. “China should direct its vessels to desist from conducting illegal actions that violate the Philippines’ sovereign rights in its [exclusive economic zone].”
China’s government has dismissed the Philippine’s accusations, claiming its activities were peaceful and legal.
“China urges the Philippine side to cease its malicious hype,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said, according to Reuters.
Tensions between China and the Philippines have spiked several times in the last year over the two nations’ competing claims to exclusive fishing rights in areas of the South China Sea.
