February 28 ------ A China Coast Guard (CCG) vessel was spotted near the coast of Zambales within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone (EEZ), according to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG). In a statement, PCG spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea (WPS) Commodore Jay Tarriela said CCG vessel 3301 was spotted 105 to 110 nautical miles from the Zambales’ coast.
Tarriela said the PCG's largest vessel BRP Teresa Magbanua was asserting the Philippines' sovereign rights in light of the unlawful presence of the Chinese vessel. “The PCG has actively communicated with the CCG vessel via radio, clearly indicating that its presence constitutes a violation of the Philippine Maritime Zones Act, the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, and the 2016 Arbitral Award,” Tarriela said. “Despite challenging sea conditions, with wave heights reaching two to four meters, the BRP Teresa Magbanua has remained steadfast in its mission for over a week,” he added.
Tarriela said the PCG is dedicated to protecting the country’s maritime rights, ensuring the safety of Filipino fishers, upholding international law, and easing the tensions in the WPS. Tensions continue as Beijing claims almost all of the South China Sea, a conduit for more than $3 trillion of annual shipborne commerce, including parts claimed by the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei. Parts of the South China Sea that fall within Philippine territory have been renamed by Manila as West Philippine Sea to reinforce the country’s claim.
The West Philippine Sea refers to the maritime areas on the western side of the Philippine archipelago including Luzon Sea and the waters around, within and adjacent to the Kalayaan Island Group and Bajo de Masinloc. In 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Hague ruled in favor of the Philippines over China's claims in the South China Sea, saying that it had "no legal basis." Beijing has refused to recognize the decision.
Source: gmanetwork.com
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