16-11-2023 (MANILA) The Philippines’ Department of Foreign Affairs urged China to dismantle its illegal constructions and halt land reclamation projects in the South China Sea, holding them accountable for the environmental damage caused in the region.
In a statement, the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs asserted that the resupply missions conducted by Philippine vessels at Ren’ai Reef (known as Ayungin Reef in the Philippines) were lawful actions and did not require prior notification to China.
DFA spokesperson Dazza stated on Thursday in the declaration, “We were notified that prior notice must be given every time a resupply mission is conducted at Ayungin Reef. However, we will not comply. Conducting resupply missions is a lawful action within our exclusive economic zone and is in line with international law.”
The Chinese Embassy in Manila has not responded immediately to the statement.
Tensions have flared once again between China and the Philippines over disputed islands and reefs in the South China Sea. On November 11, the Philippine Coast Guard reported that China deployed as many as 38 vessels near Ren’ai Reef, marking the highest number in history, aiming to obstruct Philippine vessels conducting resupply missions. The two nations had a standoff near Ren’ai Reef the day before, with the Philippines accusing Chinese coast guard ships of firing water cannons at Filipino vessels and condemning China’s “unprovoked harassment and dangerous maneuvers.”
As sovereignty disputes over islands and reefs escalate, the Philippines is now demanding China’s compliance with international law, emphasizing the legality of its resupply missions in the exclusive economic zone. The situation adds to the longstanding geopolitical tensions in the region.
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On Nov. 11, a Chinese Coast Guard ship (b.n. 5203) used water cannon on a Philippine ship attempting to pass to the sunken Sierra Madre shipwreck at Ayungin Shoal/Jenay Reef to resupply Philippine… pic.twitter.com/bNWN3kmkkV
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