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Advocates Philippines
China And The Philippines Clash Over Huangyan Island Patrols: A War Of Words And Sovereignty
Photo credit: PCG
In the ongoing tug-of-war over the disputed waters of Huangyan Island—known to Filipinos as Bajo de Masinloc—a fresh controversy erupted today between the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the China Coast Guard (CCG).
China Coast Guard spokesperson Liu Dejun claimed that on December 4, four Philippine ships, including Coast Guard vessels BRP Gabriela Silang (9701) and BRP Boracay (4409), attempted to "intrude into China's territorial waters" near Huangyan Island. Liu further alleged that the Philippine vessels engaged in "dangerously close" maneuvers near Chinese patrol ships, prompting China to exercise "lawful control measures."
But the PCG isn’t backing down. Jay Tarriela, PCG's spokesperson for West Philippine Sea concerns, quickly countered China's narrative, dismissing their claim of jurisdiction. He emphasized that Bajo de Masinloc belongs to the Philippines, citing the 2016 Arbitral Tribunal ruling under UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea), which clarified the feature as a rock, granting the Philippines sovereignty over its territorial sea and exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
“The People's Republic of China has no jurisdiction over Bajo de Masinloc,” Tarriela wrote in a pointed social media post. “The PCG and BFAR [Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources] vessels are legitimately patrolling our waters, while it is China that is encroaching upon them and militarizing the area.”
He also condemned the CCG’s reported use of dangerous maneuvers and water cannon attacks on Philippine vessels, calling them acts of “unlawful aggression” in violation of international law.
The exchange highlights the intensifying standoff in this vital maritime zone. While the Philippines insists on safeguarding its sovereignty and securing its fisherfolk’s livelihood, China continues to assert its expansive claims over the South China Sea, undeterred by international rulings.
As tensions rise, all eyes are on the disputed waters, where geopolitical lines blur, and every maneuver—literal or verbal—raises the stakes.
China Coast Guard spokesperson Liu Dejun claimed that on December 4, four Philippine ships, including Coast Guard vessels BRP Gabriela Silang (9701) and BRP Boracay (4409), attempted to "intrude into China's territorial waters" near Huangyan Island. Liu further alleged that the Philippine vessels engaged in "dangerously close" maneuvers near Chinese patrol ships, prompting China to exercise "lawful control measures."
But the PCG isn’t backing down. Jay Tarriela, PCG's spokesperson for West Philippine Sea concerns, quickly countered China's narrative, dismissing their claim of jurisdiction. He emphasized that Bajo de Masinloc belongs to the Philippines, citing the 2016 Arbitral Tribunal ruling under UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea), which clarified the feature as a rock, granting the Philippines sovereignty over its territorial sea and exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
“The People's Republic of China has no jurisdiction over Bajo de Masinloc,” Tarriela wrote in a pointed social media post. “The PCG and BFAR [Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources] vessels are legitimately patrolling our waters, while it is China that is encroaching upon them and militarizing the area.”
He also condemned the CCG’s reported use of dangerous maneuvers and water cannon attacks on Philippine vessels, calling them acts of “unlawful aggression” in violation of international law.
The exchange highlights the intensifying standoff in this vital maritime zone. While the Philippines insists on safeguarding its sovereignty and securing its fisherfolk’s livelihood, China continues to assert its expansive claims over the South China Sea, undeterred by international rulings.
As tensions rise, all eyes are on the disputed waters, where geopolitical lines blur, and every maneuver—literal or verbal—raises the stakes.
Dec 4, 2024
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