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China takes action against illegal Philippine vessels in disputed waterways

Posted to Maritime Reporter on December 2, 2024

China's coastguard said Monday it had taken the "necessary measures" to control an "illegal gathering of Philippine vessels" in disputed waters near the Iroquois Reef in the South China Sea.

In a recent statement, Liu Dejun said that a number of Philippine vessels had "illegally", gathered under the banner fishing in the Spratly Islands' waters.

The Philippine Coast Guard said in a statement released on Monday that, despite possible harassment by the Chinese coastguard, confidence among Philippine vessels "in fishing the West Philippine Sea" has increased significantly due to the president's firm stance, and his commitment to not surrender any territory of the country to a foreign force.

Manila refers to the waters of the South China Sea within its exclusive economic zone of 200 nautical miles as "the West Philippine Sea".

Beijing claims sovereignty in nearly the entire South China Sea. This includes areas claimed by Brunei and Indonesia. China rejects the 2016 ruling of the Permanent Court of Arbitration at the Hague, which said that its broad claims are not supported by international laws.

The Chinese coast guard reiterated its claim of sovereignty over Spratly Islands and warned the Philippine side "to immediately stop its infringements and provocations."

(source: Reuters)

Tags: Asia East Asia South-East Asia

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