Philippines Dismisses China’s Accusations of Provocative Actions in the West Philippine Sea.
Date: October 13, 2023
(Manila) – The Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary, Gilberto “Gibo” Teodoro Jr., has rejected China’s accusations that the Philippines has been conducting provocative actions in the West Philippine Sea (WPS). Secretary Teodoro emphasized that these allegations would not deter the patrol operations of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in the area.
Teodoro stated, “The accusations will not affect our operations, and if they consider us provocative… the real provocation is if we patrol within their 200 nautical mile Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) or engage in fishing activities there. They are the ones intruding, so how can we be the ones provoking? Such statements are laughable.”
The Defense Secretary further added that China’s allegations are unilateral and that numerous countries support the Philippines’ position in the WPS. He stated, “Only China is believing their propaganda. Their words make us doubt their intentions and sincerity towards the Filipino people.”
China claims a significant portion of the South China Sea, including areas within the WPS. Two weeks ago, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs called on the Philippine government to refrain from provocative actions in the region. This came after the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) removed a floating barrier installed by Chinese vessels in Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough or Panatag Shoal), which was preventing Filipino fishermen from accessing the area.
The PCG defended the action, emphasizing that it was taken to protect the sovereign rights of Filipino fishermen in the WPS. In response, the Chinese Foreign Ministry stated that Ayungin Shoal in the Spratly Islands has been “China’s territory since ancient times.”
Retired Supreme Court Justice Antonio Carpio, who played a key role in presenting the Philippines’ case against China to the Permanent Court of Arbitration, disagreed with China’s claims. Carpio argued that Ayungin Shoal falls within the 200-nautical mile EEZ of the Philippines and is not part of China’s territory. He also highlighted that the Spratly Islands have been recognized as part of the Philippine territory since the 1734 Murillo Velarde map, the first official map of the Philippine territory during the Spanish regime.
Echoing Carpio’s remarks, AFP spokesperson Col. Medel Aguilar emphasized the importance of correcting the narrative about the WPS. He stated, “Justice Carpio’s statement contradicts the earlier statement from China’s Foreign Ministry with facts and truth. Our position in the WPS is indisputable.”
The Philippines remains resolute in defending its territorial claims in the West Philippine Sea, despite China’s accusations. As tensions escalate in the region, the international community closely observes developments, advocating for a peaceful resolution to the longstanding dispute.
