China rejects Philippines protest vs fishing ban in South China Sea

MANILA, Philippines — China has dismissed the Philippine government’s protest against its unilateral imposition of a fishing ban over areas that extend to the West Philippine Sea.

Beijing declared that the moratorium adheres to international law and is within its sovereign right, according to  a GMA News report.

At a news conference on Wednesday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said Beijing’s declaration of the ban, which is in effect from May 1 to Aug. 16, is a standard measure to safeguard its resources.

Manila, however, said it does not recognize China’s fishing moratorium from that period as it covers waters in areas where the Philippines exercises “sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction.”

“The summer fishing moratorium in the South China Sea adopted by China is a normal measure of protecting marine biological resources in waters under China’s jurisdiction, and a manifestation of fulfilling obligations under international law including UNCLOS by the Chinese side,” Zhao said, referring to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

He added that China cannot accept the “unwarranted accusation” of the Philippine government.

China also declared that it “cannot accept the unwarranted accusation” of the Philippines’ Department of Foreign Affairs, which lodged the protest on May 30.

“We hope the Philippine side can view it in an objective and correct perspective, and earnestly fulfill the obligations as a littoral state of the South China Sea to jointly promote sustainable development of fishery in the South China Sea,” Zhao said.

Envoy visits PCG

Yesterday, Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian paid a courtesy visit to Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) officials.

In a Viber message to reporters, PCG Commandant Admiral Artemio Abu said that Huang’s visit “is intended to review friendly exchanges and cooperation between the China Coast Guard and the PCG” as he emphasized being honored and privileged by the visit.

“We look forward to exchanging views on possible capacity building activities between the CCG and PCG to strengthen rapport and confidence among the Philippine Coast Guard and the China Coast Guard to promote peace and stability in the region,” Abu added.

There were no media interviews during Huang’s visit.