Philippines protests swarm of 100 Chinese vessels in reef

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines has protested the return of over 100 Chinese vessels illegally operating in the waters in and around Julian Felipe Reef last April 4, barely a year after the same swarming incident was protested by the government, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said yesterday.

Julian Felipe Reef is a low-tide elevation within the territorial sea of relevant high-tide features in the Kalayaan Island Group, including Chigua Reef, over which the Philippines has sovereignty.

“The lingering unauthorized presence of Chinese fishing and maritime vessels is not only illegal, but is also a source of instability in the region,” the DFA said in a statement.

The DFA pointed out that the persistent swarming of Chinese vessels is contrary to international law such as the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and the final and binding 2016 Arbitral Award.

It is also a violation of China’s commitments under the 2002 Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, in particular, the exercise of self-restraint pursuant to Paragraph 5.

The Philippines, the DFA said, regrets this Chinese violation of international law days after the April 8 telesummit between President Duterte and Chinese President Xi Jinping where the two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to solve issues of mutual concern through peaceful dialogue and exercise restraint in any and all endeavors relating to the South China Sea.

“The Philippines calls on China to comply with its obligations under international law, cease and desist from displaying illegal and irresponsible behavior, avoid further escalating tensions at sea and immediately withdraw all of its vessels from Philippine maritime zones,” the DFA said.