DFA rejects China jurisdiction claim over waters off Batanes

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Friday rejected China’s claim of sovereign rights and jurisdiction over waters off Batanes after the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) drove away a Chinese research vessel from the area.

“The Department firmly and strongly rejects the Chinese Embassy’s assertion that China has sovereign rights and jurisdiction in the waters off Batanes,” the DFA said in a statement.

The DFA said the Chinese research vessel Jia Hai Ke 7 was detected about 69 kilometers northwest of Itbayat, Batanes, within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

READ: PCG drives Chinese research vessel away from position off Batanes

It said the PCG was conducting “lawful and routine law enforcement operations” after detecting what appeared to be unauthorized marine scientific research in the area.

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 said.

“The Philippines did not receive any request from the Chinese side and no consent has been given to any Chinese vessel to conduct MSR,” it said.

The DFA statement came after the Chinese Embassy said the Jia Hai Ke 7 was conducting normal operations in waters where Beijing claims sovereign rights and jurisdiction. It also accused the Philippines of harassing the vessel.

The DFA urged China to comply with international law and avoid actions that could undermine efforts to rebuild mutual trust.

“The Philippines will continue to uphold the country’s sovereign rights and jurisdiction in its EEZ peacefully and responsibly in accordance with international law,” it said.

READ: PCG: China research vessel forced to exit Batanes waters

The PCG said Thursday that the Jia Hai Ke 7 left the area around 11:42 a.m., after remaining there since its presence was confirmed on Sept. 28.

The PCG had deployed the 97-meter BRP Teresa Magbanua and an aircraft after the Chinese vessel repeatedly ignored radio challenges to leave the Philippine EEZ.

During the operation, the Teresa Magbanua approached the Jia Hai Ke 7 and deployed a rigid-hull inflatable boat while Coast Guard personnel continued issuing radio challenges.

A China Coast Guard vessel, 2503, later arrived and issued radio challenges to the Teresa Magbanua as the Philippine vessel monitored the research ship.

PCG spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Rear Adm. Jay Tarriela earlier said the Jia Hai Ke 7’s movements were consistent with marine scientific research, although authorities had yet to determine the exact nature of its activities.

The PCG also raised concerns about the vessel’s proximity to submarine cable routes in the Luzon Strait.

The PCG said it would continue monitoring the Jia Hai Ke 7 to ensure it does not return to the area./ja

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