NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
PH Condemns China's Recent Actions In Ayungin Shoal
Photo credit: PCG
The Philippines has strongly condemned China's actions at Ayungin Shoal, citing violations of international law. The 2016 South China Sea Arbitration ruling states that Ayungin Shoal is recognized as a low-tide elevation not subject to sovereignty claims or appropriation.
The area falls within the exclusive economic zone of the Philippines, granting the nation sovereign rights and jurisdiction.
The Philippines emphasizes that its resupply missions and repair operations for the BRP Sierra Madre are in accordance with both domestic and international law.
These actions are integral to the safety and wellbeing of the stationed personnel. The BRP Sierra Madre, a commissioned vessel of the Philippine Navy, serves as a permanent station to safeguard the country's rights and interests in the West Philippine Sea, particularly in and around Ayungin Shoal.
The decision to establish a permanent station on Ayungin Shoal was made in 1999 as a response to China's unlawful occupation of Panganiban Reef in 1995. The Philippines asserts that this deployment within its jurisdiction is well within its inherent rights and does not contravene any laws. Importantly, this deployment predated the 2002 Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC), and thus does not breach its provisions.
In a recent incident on August 5, 2023, the China Coast Guard's actions obstructed legitimate and routine Philippine activities within its exclusive economic zone. These actions are deemed violations of various international agreements, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the 2016 Arbitral Award on the South China Sea, the 1972 Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS), and the 2002 ASEAN-China Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC).
The Philippines reiterates that the 2016 Arbitral Award, based on UNCLOS principles, is both final and legally binding. It urges China, as a signatory to UNCLOS, to adhere to its obligations and commitments outlined in the award. The Philippines calls upon China to act in accordance with international law and respect the sovereignty and rights of other nations in the region.
The area falls within the exclusive economic zone of the Philippines, granting the nation sovereign rights and jurisdiction.
The Philippines emphasizes that its resupply missions and repair operations for the BRP Sierra Madre are in accordance with both domestic and international law.
These actions are integral to the safety and wellbeing of the stationed personnel. The BRP Sierra Madre, a commissioned vessel of the Philippine Navy, serves as a permanent station to safeguard the country's rights and interests in the West Philippine Sea, particularly in and around Ayungin Shoal.
The decision to establish a permanent station on Ayungin Shoal was made in 1999 as a response to China's unlawful occupation of Panganiban Reef in 1995. The Philippines asserts that this deployment within its jurisdiction is well within its inherent rights and does not contravene any laws. Importantly, this deployment predated the 2002 Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC), and thus does not breach its provisions.
In a recent incident on August 5, 2023, the China Coast Guard's actions obstructed legitimate and routine Philippine activities within its exclusive economic zone. These actions are deemed violations of various international agreements, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the 2016 Arbitral Award on the South China Sea, the 1972 Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS), and the 2002 ASEAN-China Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC).
The Philippines reiterates that the 2016 Arbitral Award, based on UNCLOS principles, is both final and legally binding. It urges China, as a signatory to UNCLOS, to adhere to its obligations and commitments outlined in the award. The Philippines calls upon China to act in accordance with international law and respect the sovereignty and rights of other nations in the region.
Aug 8, 2023
