Manila lodged a fresh diplomatic protest against Beijing over the swarming of over 100 Chinese vessels in Julian Felipe Reef.
The Department of Foreign Affairs said the unauthorized presence of Chinese vessels in the Julian Felipe Reef, which is within the West Philippine Sea, is “not only illegal but also a source of instability in the region.”
“The persistent swarming of Chinese vessels is contrary to international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the final and binding 2016 Arbitral Award. It is also a violation of China’s commitments under the 2002 Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, in particular, the exercise of self-restraint pursuant to Paragraph 5 thereof,” the DFA said in a statement.
“The Philippines regrets this Chinese violation of international law days after the successful April 8, 2022 telesummit between President Rodrigo R. Duterte and Chinese President Xi Jinping where the two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to solve issues of mutual concern through peaceful dialogue, and exercise restraint in any and all endeavors relating to the South China Sea,” it added.
The DFA called on China to cease and desist from displaying “illegal and irresponsible behavior.”
It also called on Beijing to immediately withdraw all of its vessels in the country’s maritime waters.
Last year, over 200 Chinese vessels also swarmed Julian Felipe Reef, resulting in a flurry of diplomatic protests from the Philippine government.