NMC tells China: Stop ‘illegal, unauthorized’ activities in PH EEZ
MANILA, Philippines — The National Maritime Council (NMC) has called on China to stop the “illegal and unauthorized activities” of its vessels in the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ), following the suspected marine scientific research activities of a Chinese vessel off Batanes.
“We call on China to stop the illegal and unauthorized activities of its vessels in the Philippines’ EEZ and abide by its obligations under Unclos,” the NMC said in a statement.
The council also called on Beijing to comply with the 2016 arbitral award, which it said upheld the Philippines’ sovereign rights and jurisdiction over marine scientific research in its EEZ.
The statement came days after the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said it successfully compelled Chinese research vessel Jia Hai Ke 7 to leave an area about 69 kilometers northwest of Itbayat, Batanes, where it was suspected of conducting unauthorized marine scientific research.
The PCG confirmed the vessel’s presence on Sept. 28 and deployed BRP Teresa Magbanua and an Islander aircraft to the area on Oct. 1.
The Coast Guard ship approached to within less than 100 yards, or about 91 meters, of Jia Hai Ke 7 and deployed a rigid-hull inflatable boat to disrupt its suspected research activities.
Two China Coast Guard vessels later arrived and maneuvered close to BRP Teresa Magbanua.
READ: DFA rejects China jurisdiction claim over waters off Batanes
At around 11:42 a.m., Jia Hai Ke 7 began leaving the position it had occupied since Sept. 28, prompting the PCG to declare its mission successful.
BRP Teresa Magbanua continued shadowing the Chinese vessel toward the outer limit of the Philippine EEZ to ensure it left the area.
The PCG later said it suspected Jia Hai Ke 7 had deployed an instrument into the water while operating off Batanes.
The NMC said the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) confirmed that China neither sought nor received Manila’s consent for Jia Hai Ke 7 to conduct marine scientific research.
Under Article 246 of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (Unclos), marine scientific research within a coastal state’s EEZ and continental shelf requires its consent.
The DFA earlier rejected Beijing’s assertion that China has sovereign rights and jurisdiction over waters off Batanes, maintaining that Jia Hai Ke 7 was operating well within the Philippine EEZ.
The Chinese Embassy in Manila had maintained that the vessel was conducting normal operations in waters where Beijing claims sovereign rights and jurisdiction and accused the PCG of harassment.
China later called for dialogue with the Philippines over the incident and urged Manila to stop what it described as interference with its marine research activities.
The NMC, meanwhile, commended the PCG for its “professionalism, vigilance, and restraint” in responding to Jia Hai Ke 7.
READ: Chinese aircraft makes unsafe move near PH plane over Scarborough – AFP
“Protecting our rights does not require unnecessary confrontation. It requires vigilance, sound judgment, professional conduct, and steadfast commitment to the rule of law,” the council said.
It said the incident underscored the importance of sustained maritime domain awareness and close coordination among government agencies.
“The Philippines remains committed to the peaceful resolution of disputes and to maintaining constructive relations with other States,” the NMC said.
“At the same time, we will continue to uphold our sovereign rights and jurisdiction through appropriate, proportionate, and lawful measures,” it added. /dl
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