Tag: South China Sea

Pres. Duterte stresses PHL sovereignty over territorial waters at commissioning of BRP Melchora Aquino

Highlights importance of Coast Guard visibility in West Philippine Sea at event marking 124th PHL independence Day   (Eagle News) — President Rodrigo Duterte said that the country has to “assert” its sovereignty even in disputed waters as he led the commissioning Sunday, June 12, of the Barko ng Pangulo ng Pilipinas (BRP) Melchora Aquino of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) which is expected to improve its capability to monitor the country’s coastlines. “You know […]

Philippines summons Beijing diplomat over South China Sea ‘harassment’

MANILA, Philippines (AFP) — Manila revealed on Tuesday that it had summoned a senior Beijing diplomat to protest the alleged harassment of a marine research vessel by a Chinese coast guard ship in Philippine territorial waters. The Department of Foreign Affairs said it was also reviewing reports on the “presence of foreign coast guard vessels around Reed Bank”, site of the 2019 sinking of a Filipino fishing vessel that sparked domestic outrage. The revelation came […]

PHL files diplomatic protest vs China for unilateral fishing moratorium over South China Sea

DFA says China’s fishing moratorium has “no basis in law” and violated PHL sovereign rights   (Eagle News) – The Philippine government, through the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), has filed a diplomatic protest against China for its unilateral fishing moratorium that was first imposed on May 1 this year in parts of South China Sea. The DFA filed the diplomatic protest against the People’s Republic of China’s “unilateral imposition of a three-and-half-month fishing moratorium […]

Philippines halts oil and gas exploration in disputed South China Sea

  Manila has suspended oil and gas exploration in the South China Sea, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s spokesman said Wednesday, as it tries to strike a deal with Beijing on a joint energy project. Drilling off the Philippines was allowed to resume in October 2020 when Duterte — who has taken a softer approach than his predecessor to Beijing’s claims over most of the waterway — lifted a 2014 moratorium. It was hoped that Duterte’s […]

PHL asserts rights over Scarborough Shoal amid China’s claim that shoal is its “inherent territory”

Incident last March 2 was fourth close maneuver of Chinese Coast Guard vessel with PHL Coast Guard vessel in Bajo de Masinloc   (Eagle News) – The Philippines has “full sovereignty” over Bajo de Masinloc or Scarborough Shoal amid a recent statement from the Chinese Foreign Ministry asserting “sovereign rights” in the area. “The Philippine position is we continue to exercise full sovereignty over Bajo de Masinloc and its territorial sea, as well as sovereign […]

Indonesia to buy French warplanes as Paris boosts Asia alliances

  by Lucie Godeau Agence France Presse JAKARTA, Indonesia (AFP) — Indonesia on Thursday ordered 42 Rafale fighter jets from France, as Paris and Jakarta seek to strengthen military ties in the face of growing tensions in the Asia-Pacific. The agreement was announced as Indonesian Defence Minister Prabowo Subianto met his French counterpart Florence Parly in Jakarta. “It’s official, Indonesia orders 42 Rafale,” said Parly on Twitter. Subianto confirmed a deal had been struck for […]

US warship’s South China Sea passage sparks Beijing warning

  WASHINGTON, United States (AFP) — A US warship sailed through the South China Sea on Thursday, sparking a warning from China’s military as tensions between the superpowers remain high. The American navy said the USS Benfold “asserted navigational rights and freedoms in the vicinity of the Paracel Islands, consistent with international law”. The Southern Theatre Command of the People’s Liberation Army said the US ship had “illegally” entered what Beijing regards as its waters. […]

US lays out case against ‘unlawful’ China maritime claims in South China Sea

  WASHINGTON, United States (AFP) — The United States on Wednesday laid out its most detailed case yet against Beijing’s “unlawful” claims in the South China Sea, rejecting both the geographic and historic bases for its vast, divisive map. In a 47-page research paper, the State Department’s Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs said China had no basis under international law for claims that have put Beijing on a collision course with […]

China’s Pres. Xi commits to peace in ASEAN region, announces “comprehensive strategic partnership”

Says “maintaining peace in the region” is the “greatest common interest”   (Eagle News) – China’s President Xi Jinping announced the establishment of the China-ASEAN Comprehensive Strategic Partnership on Monday, Nov. 22, as he vowed China’s commitment to peace and stability in the region. President Xi, during the ASEAN-China Special Summit to Commemorate the 30th Anniversary of Dialogue Relations on Monday, Nov. 22, recalled how in the past 30 years, China have “cast away the […]

Pres. Duterte condemns China’s action of blocking PHL supply boats in Ayungin shoal

Cites UNCLOS, 2016 PHL Arbitral Award to guide ASEAN, China in ensuring peace in South China Sea during ASEAN-China Special Summit   (Eagle News) – President Rodrigo Duterte condemned the latest action of China where its coast guard vessels blocked and attacked with water cannons two Philippine boats sending supplies and food to soldiers stationed in Ayungin Shoal. “We abhor the recent event in the Ayungin Shoal and view with grave concern other similar developments,” […]

Pres. Duterte calls for ASEAN unity in pressing South China Sea stability

  (Eagle News) – President Rodrigo Duterte called for member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to remain united in pursuing peace, stability and prosperity in the South China Sea. In his participation at the 38th and 39th ASEAN Summits and Related Summits via video conference, President Duterte said the regional bloc should pursue initiatives in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the 2016 […]

Malaysia summons Chinese envoy to protest South China Sea incursion

  KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AFP) — Malaysia late Monday summoned Beijings’s envoy to the Southeast Asian country in protest after Chinese vessels entered its maritime economic zone in the disputed South China Sea. Kuala Lumpur summoned Chinese ambassador Ouyang Yujing “to convey Malaysia’s position and protest against the presence and activities of Chinese vessels, including a survey vessel, in Malaysia’s Exclusive Economic Zone”, the foreign ministry said in a statement. The ministry accused China of […]