Phl objects to China's new patrol boat in disputed sea

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippines raised objections yesterday to China’s sending an oceangoing patrol vessel to disputed waters in the West Philippine Sea and South China Sea last Thursday.

“The Philippines again calls on China to respect our territorial sovereignty and EEZ (exclusive economic zone). The Philippines strongly objects to the Chinese patrol of Philippine maritime domain in the West Philippine Sea,” the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said in a statement.

“Such patrol will not validate the 9-dash lines and is contrary to China’s obligation under international law including UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea),” the DFA said.

Haixun 21, which is equipped with a helipad, is under the control of the Hainan Maritime Safety Administration.

Huang He, deputy head of the maritime bureau of the Ministry of Transport, said Haixun 21 will monitor maritime traffic safety, investigate maritime accidents, detect pollution, carry out search and rescue work and fulfill international conventions.

The Chinese Defense Ministry said China’s move was not intended to project maritime power but rather to build “harmonious oceans” and protect its maritime sovereignty.

Chinese state media People’s Daily quoted Defense Ministry spokesman Geng Yansheng as saying that China merely wanted to enhance its capacity for exploiting marine resources, develop marine economy, safeguard maritime rights and interests and ensure sustainable economic and social development.

Geng was responding to questions regarding China’s bid to become a maritime power as declared by Chinese President Hu Jintao in a speech at the opening session of the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China last month.

Meanwhile, the state-controlled paper also reported China’s allocation of 30 million yuan or roughly $4.8 million in 2013 to enhance cooperation with developing economies in the West Philippine Sea and South China Sea as it renewed calls for joint development.

“Through cooperation with South China Sea countries we can deepen understanding and acknowledgement with each other and eliminate doubts and worries,” said Ma Deyi, director of the First Institute of Oceanography under the State Oceanic Administration.

“Territorial disputes cannot be solved within a short time. Territorial disputes should be temporarily put aside, and joint development will be an effective way,” said Zhang Zhanhai, director of the administration’s international cooperation department.

The report said China has long been devoted to strengthening international cooperation with neighboring countries as spelled out in framework plan (2011-15).

In 2012, more than 30 cooperation projects covering marine environment protection, regional oceanographic research and prevention and mitigation of coastal disasters in the area were carried out, according to the State Oceanic Administration.

Zhang added China is set to build a tsunami consulting center to collect marine environment data and release tsunami risk reports to reduce the impact of such disasters. No timetable for the setting up of such center has been disclosed.

Aside from the 30 million yuan being earmarked for international cooperation, China is also allocating two million yuan for financing marine-related studies in China of 20 students from neighboring countries, according to Zhang.