The Manila Times
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine government on Thursday condemned the recent "aggressive and dangerous actions" by Chinese maritime forces against Philippine vessels, aircraft, and Filipino fisherfolk in the West Philippine Sea, saying these incidents "endanger lives, violate international law, and undermine regional peace and stability." In a statement, the National Maritime Council (NMC) said these "unlawful acts" by the China Coast Guard (CCG), the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN), the Chinese Maritime Militia, and other Chinese maritime forces occurred in areas where the Philippines has sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction. "Philippine operations in these areas are lawful and consistent with the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the 2016 Arbitral Award," the NMC said. "On the other hand, the activities of China in these areas are inconsistent with international law and the 2002 Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC)," it added.
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