11-7-2023 (MANILA) France has reiterated its support for the 2016 arbitral ruling regarding the South China Sea dispute and expressed concern over recent incidents in the region. The French embassy in Manila released a statement on Monday, expressing worry about the reported swarming of approximately 50 Chinese vessels near Recto (Reed) Bank in the West Philippine Sea.
The embassy emphasized the importance of respecting international law and resolving disputes through dialogue. It condemned the use of force or any threats to do so. Referring to the 2016 arbitration award under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the embassy highlighted the ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration, which upheld the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone and rejected China’s claims in the contested waters.
The presence of around 48 Chinese vessels at Del Pilar (Iroquois) Reef and Escoda (Sabina) Shoal, within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone, was reported by the Western Command of the Armed Forces of the Philippines on Friday. The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) expressed concern that this could be the beginning of China’s occupation of the area.
Furthermore, the PCG reported a recent encounter on June 30 between a China Coast Guard ship and a PCG vessel on a resupply mission to Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal. The Chinese vessel allegedly engaged in dangerous maneuvers, prompting criticism from US Ambassador MaryKay Carlson and Japanese Ambassador Koshikawa Kazuhiko, who described China’s behavior as irresponsible and dangerous, respectively.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin defended the actions of the vessel, stating that they were professional and restrained. China maintained that it was carrying out law enforcement activities within what it considers its territory.
Albay Representative Joey Salceda announced plans to assess the country’s maritime defense capabilities and seek updates on the defense establishment’s review of the Philippines’ mutual defense treaty with the United States during deliberations on the 2024 budget. Salceda, who chairs the House ways and means committee, emphasized the need to determine the resources required to achieve adequate readiness, regardless of affordability. He also expressed support for policies that promote shipbuilding and the development of a domestic defense industry.
Meanwhile, fishermen from Zambales province urged the Philippine government to assert the country’s sovereignty on the seventh anniversary of the arbitral ruling. They raised concerns about the long-term damage caused by China’s trespassing in Philippine waters. Fisherman Enosentes Forones recalled being emboldened by the outcome of the arbitral case in 2016, only to find that Chinese ships were still present at Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal, forcing local fishermen away. Forones and other fishermen have experienced harassment and intimidation from the China Coast Guard, impacting their livelihoods.
Manny de Jesus, head of the fishers’ group Samahan ng Mangingisda ng Masinloc, Zambales, emphasized the ongoing fear of bullying as long as the China Coast Guard remains at the shoal.
