President Rodrigo Duterte condemned the recent altercation with Chinese ships attacking Philippine vessels going to Ayungin Shoal in the West Philippine Sea saying he “abhors” China’s actions on the ASEAN-China special Summit held on Monday, November 22.
“We abhor the recent event in the Ayungin Shoal and view with great concern other similar developments,” Duterte said.
“This does not speak well of the relations between our nations and our partnership”, he added.
The Western Command earlier reported that three Chinese Coast Guard Vessels “blocked and water cannoned” two Philippine supply boats on November 16. Although the incident didn’t involve any casualties, the Philippine vessels had to abort their mission after one of them had its outrigger damaged by the water cannon.
During the Summit, Duterte emphasized that issues surrounding the South China Sea should be resolved based on the rules of law, emphasizing the United Nations Convention on the Law of Seas (UNCLOS), and the 2016 Arbitral Award which provides legal clarity.
“UNCLOS and the 2016 Arbitral Award provide legal clarity, pointing us to a just and fair solution to our disputes. We must fully utilize these legal tools to ensure that the South China Sea remains a sea of peace, stability and prosperity,” Duterte stated.
According to the 2016 arbitration award, Ayungin Shoal forms part of the Philippines’ economic exclusive zone (EEZ) and continental shelf, “and are not overlapped by any possible entitlement of China.”
Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Daniel Espiritu said Manila upholds the 1982 UNCLOS as the legal framework under which all ocean activities are regulated.
“The Philippines follows a rules-based approach in the South China Sea, including assertion of the 2016 Arbitration Award on the South China Sea, which is now part of international law,” he said.
Ayungin Shoal, or Second Thomas Shoal, is located about 174 nautical miles from Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, and is one of the nine areas occupied by Filipino troops in the West Philippine Sea.