PH files protest vs. Beijing over latest Chinese harassment in BDM

HARASSMENT. A CCG vessel bombards BRP Datu Pagbuaya with water cannon while the latter was on routine maritime patrol in the vicinity of Bajo de Masinloc on Wednesday (Dec. 4, 2024) morning. The US government condemned China’s latest hostility, labelling the act as “unlawful”. (Photo: @jaytaryela/X)

By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora, Philippine News Agency

MANILA – The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has formally lodged its protest against China’s latest aggression in the Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal).

Foreign Affairs spokesperson Ma. Teresita Daza on Thursday afternoon said this latest diplomatic note brings the total notes verbales against Beijing’s activities in the West Philippine Sea to 60 this year.

Since the beginning of the Marcos administration, the DFA has filed a total of 193 protests against China.

In an interview in Pasay City, DFA Secretary Enrique Manalo questioned Beijing over its repeated harassment while reaffirming Manila’s position on the feature.

“It’s very clear, I mean we were within our legal rights,” he said. “Certainly, we don’t understand why China again is repeating these actions, which are clearly illegal.”

The Chinese Coast Guard along with a People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) vessel harassed Filipino ships yet again while the latter were patrolling near the Bajo de Masinloc on Wednesday.

China— located some 472 nautical miles away from shoal— claims it as part of its territory.

Following the incident, the embassies of the United States, Australia, Japan, France, European Union, Canada, Germany, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, Norway, the Netherlands, Sweden, Denmark, and South Korea voiced out their support to the Philippines and conveyed serious concerns over China’s actions in the area.

The New Zealand Embassy in Manila said these latest dangerous actions by the Chinese Coast Guard towards the Philippines “are deeply worrying, as is the presence of PLAN vessels”.

“Water cannons and contact between vessels risk safety at sea and threaten regional stability and international law. We again firmly call for peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea),” it said.

Australia’s Ambassador HK Yu called for “restraint and respect for international law” and cited the dangerous maneuvers and use of water cannons as serious concern to Australia.

Japanese Ambassador Endo Kazuya, in a post on X, said Japan would continue to oppose “any actions which increase tensions”.

“Seriously concerned about the dangerous actions against the Philippine Coast Guard and BFAR vessels by CCG. The use of water cannon & obstructive maneuvers undermine the safety of ship & crew,” he said.

“Japan upholds the rule of law and opposes any actions which increase tensions.”

France also renewed its call for respect of the UNCLOS and freedom of navigation.

Its embassy, in a statement, said Paris “oppose any threat or use of force contrary to international law” and recalled the 2016 Arbitral Award on the South China Sea.

Danish Ambassador Franz-Michael Mellbin said Denmark shares deep concern over the incident and said China’s actions “undermine” not only the UNCLOS but also maritime safety.

Canada’s Global Affairs, on the other hand, said: “These actions jeopardize regional peace and stability. Disputes must be resolved peacefully and in accordance with international law.“

The South Korean Embassy in Manila, in a statement, reiterated the importance of “upholding peace, stability, safety, and rules-based order in the South China Sea, as well as the freedom of navigation and overflight in accordance with international law, including UNCLOS”.