June 27, 2024
MANILA – The Department of Foreign Affairs has filed another diplomatic protest against China’s aggressive acts in the West Philippine Sea after another encounter on June 17 in Ayungin Shoal where Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) personnel boarded a Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) ship on a resupply mission to BRP Sierra Madre.
Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo said on the sidelines of the East-West Center’s International Media Conference that “we have already sent a note verbale” to Beijing, although he did not mention when exactly it was filed.
According to the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the CCG personnel were armed with knives and then proceeded to seize the rifles of the PCG crew, which the AFP called “piracy.”
During the media event, Manalo said that the Philippines itself is fighting against disinformation campaigns to “preserve our sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction, particularly in the West Philippine Sea.”
“Genuine photos and videos—or those that are not AI (artificial intelligence)-generated or digitally manipulated—speak louder and more powerfully than the myriad attempts at misinformation and the peddling of false narratives,” Manalo said.
Manalo was referring to the government’s new transparency strategy when it comes to the South China Sea conflict with China that involves recording and sharing photos and videos of the encounters which shows the actions done by the CCG against local vessels.
“Your work has helped to put the spotlight on what is really happening in the West Philippine Sea. And your reporting has highlighted our country’s efforts to push back against illegal, coercive, aggressive and deceptive actions in our own waters,” Manalo said, addressing the media.
‘Ironclad’ commitment
Reiterating their “ironclad” commitment to its security ties with the Philippines, United States Ambassador to Manila MaryKay Carlson on Wednesday called on China to cease its harassment and illegal activities in the West Philippine Sea. Carlson said that the Biden administration’s aim for a “free and open Indo-Pacific” meant a region free from coercion from other countries and where international laws are abided by all countries.
“With like-minded partners and all who support the rule of law, we urge the PRC (People’s Republic of China) to cease harassment of Philippine vessels lawfully operating in the Philippine exclusive economic zones; to halt its disruption to states’ sovereign rights to explore, utilize, conserve, and manage natural resources in their territories and EEZs (exclusive economic zone); and to end its interference with the freedoms of navigation and overflight of all states lawfully operating in the region,” Carlson said.
“When the United States sees our partners being bullied in their backyard, we speak up. And we encourage others to speak up as well—and they are doing so. The chorus against threats to peace and stability in the South China Sea is growing louder and stronger each day,” Carlson said.