Screengrab from PCG

The Philippines' Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has issued a strong condemnation following a recent incident at Ayungin Shoal involving Chinese authorities.

During a humanitarian mission to BRP Sierra Madre on June 17, 2024, aggressive actions by Chinese forces led to injuries among Philippine personnel and damage to their vessels.

The DFA denounced the actions as illegal and in violation of international maritime norms, stressing that such behavior jeopardizes the safety of personnel and undermines efforts to foster a peaceful and cooperative relationship in the South China Sea. The incident comes as the Philippines is working to build a conducive environment for dialogue and consultation with China on maritime issues.

The DFA emphasized the need for China to align its actions with its declarations and called for adherence to international law, specifically the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the 2016 Arbitral Award. The Department reiterated the Philippines' stance on maintaining sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction over its waters and urged China to act responsibly to avoid escalating tensions further.