By Pexcel John Bacon
The Philippines has made a routine flight to challenge China, accusing it of conducting “illegal” marine scientific research (MSR) and trespassing in the Spratly Islands (Kalayaan Island Group), its coast guard said on Thursday.
During a maritime domain awareness (MDA) flight, a Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) aircraft reportedly spotted a Chinese maritime research vessel. Xiang Yang Hong 33anchor about 7.34 nautical miles west of Rozul Reef, according to a statement shared by PCG spokesperson Jay Tarriela over X.
The PCG noted that the ship had released a service boat towards the sea area, confirming the ongoing “unauthorized” operation of the MSR.
Chinese Coast Guard Vessel (CCGV) BN 5309 it was also patrolled in the same area, while the 13 ships of the Chinese Maritime Militia stuck to it.
“The PCG, in line with the strong position of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., remains focused on exercising our authority to monitor and protect the Philippine maritime domain in accordance with international law,” Philippine Coast Guard Commander Admiral Ronnie Gil L. Gavan was quoted as saying.
“We will continue to carry out the official duties of the MDA and we will continue to challenge any illegal actions that undermine our sovereignty and independence.”
Based on Canada’s Black Vessel Detection Program, the PCG said Xiang Yang Hong 33 left China on April 15 and conducted research activities in various parts of the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of the Philippines.
The vessel was reportedly patrolled at Ayungin Shoal from April 20 to 22, Escoda Shoal from April 22 to 28, and other areas such as Arella Reef, Bulig Shoal, Panganiban Reef, Quirino Atoll, and Rozul Reef before proceeding to Jacinto Reef and Diego Silang Reef on May 6.
While approaching Thitu Island (Pag-asa Island), the PCG said its aircraft also saw 28 Chinese Maritime Militia ships anchored to the side and scattered around Cay 1 and Cay 2. The Chinese Offshore Ship, CCGV 5101and it was seen about two kilometers of sea west of the island.
THE DEFEAT OF UCLOS
The PCG said this is a clear violation of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which states that permission from the coastal state is required before conducting marine scientific research within its exclusive economic zone.
“The Philippines has not given such permission to the PRC (People’s Republic of China) for any MSR activities in these waters,” the PCG said.
It added the presence of the research vessel and the Maritime Militia vessels is a “serious violation” of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Philippines.
China’s alleged unauthorized marine scientific research in the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone is a direct violation of UNCLOS, according to Chester B. Cabalza, president and founder of International Development and Security Cooperation.
Said Mr. Cabalza BusinessWorld that coastal states like the Philippines have the right to control, authorize, and conduct marine scientific research within their EEZ.
“China’s unauthorized marine scientific research directly violates UNCLOS where coastal states like the Philippines have the right to control, authorize, and conduct MSR in their EEZ,” he said via Facebook Messenger.
He added that the proliferation of foreign vessels in Philippine waters may cause damage to corals and other marine resources.
“The presence of large foreign ships often leads to the destruction of coral reefs, and the Philippines can consider this as a violation of the obligation to protect and preserve the marine environment,” he said.
He said the 2016 arbitral award remains the strongest legal weapon of the Philippines, but noted that it is important for the country to strengthen its presence in the claimed maritime features.
“Supporting the front line by building a permanent, military and logistical environment for our maritime needs is essential and important,” he said.
He also said that the joint patrol of the nations and the soldiers of many organizations can help to strengthen the country’s naval dialogue and the means to prevent the so-called gray zone operations.
FALSE REBATE
Meanwhile, the Chinese Embassy denied the allegations of PCG and accused Mr. Tarriela for allegedly spreading “fake news” about tensions in the South China Sea.
In a statement, Chinese Embassy Deputy Spokesman Guo Wei said China has “indisputable sovereignty” over the Spratly Islands, which it calls Nansha Qundao, and the surrounding waters, including reefs and islands.
He also asserted that Chinese Research Vessels conducting scientific work are in line with international law and international practice.
The ambassador added that China and the Philippines are discussing more cooperation related to marine science and technology.
“Due to the efforts of China and the Philippines to manage the maritime situation through diplomatic talks, the South China Sea has remained relatively calm recently,” the spokesperson said.
“China will continue to be committed to managing tensions through dialogue and reducing tensions through cooperation, so as to build the South China Sea into an ocean of peace and cooperation.”
