The rising calls from different countries for peace, safety and rules-based maritime order in the South China have in the main been ignored, with China continuing to harass Philippine ships on rotational and resupply mission within Manila’s exclusive economic zone.
The embassies in Manila of South Korea, Germany, New Zealand, and Japan have separately issued statements calling for de-escalation of the tense situation, not helped any by the continuing harassment by China’s coast guard against Filipino vessels.
The Japanese Embassy criticized China’s claims over baselines in the South China Sea, arguing these assertions are inconsistent with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
Japan highlighted the 2016 Arbitral Tribunal ruling that dismissed China’s “nine-dash line” and claims of “historical rights” as incompatible with international law.
Despite the tribunal’s decision, Japan noted China continues to assert maritime claims that defy international norms and called on China to comply with Article 296 of UNCLOS, which requires adherence to tribunal decisions.
Japan concluded by affirming its dedication to working with the international community to uphold a rules-based order and keep the South China Sea open for all nations
The South Korean Embassy itself said, “We reiterate the importance of upholding peace, stability, safety and rules-based maritime order in the South China Sea, a critical sea lane of communications for all countries that are using it.”
The German Embassy shared a similar view, saying, “Germany is seriously concerned about dangerous actions of Chinese vessels near Second Thomas (Ayungin) Shoal against Philippine resupply missions.”
Germany reiterated its call for a “peaceful resolution of disputes and full respect of UNCLOS and International Law, including the 2016 Arbitral Award.”
UNCLOS was established in 1982 to define coastal and maritime boundaries, to regulate seabed exploration not within territorial claims, and to distribute revenue from regulated exploration. Both China and the Philippines are signatories.
A Filipino maritime expert, UP Institute for Maritime Affairs and Law of the Sea Director Jay Batongbacal, also said the Philippines must show China the former is not alone – in fact there is a chorus from some countries – as it has allies ready to help in defending the West Philippine Sea.
We have monitored developments in the West Philippine Sea since China started bullying its smaller southern neighbor and it appears China would continue harassing the Philippines even in the latter’s exclusive economic zone.
The Philippines has displayed courage, and has allies supporting it.
But does China have a sensitive ear?
As early as February 2023, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said the country “will not lose an inch” of territory, his remarks chasing continuing maritime tensions with Beijing, which demonstrated aggressive activities in the South China Sea.
