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Posts tagged as “WPS”
Google Maps has updated its maps to make the label “West Philippine Sea” (WPS) more visible for the waters west of the Philippines. This has been praised in the Philippines as it reinforces their claim over this part of the South China Sea.
Before, the WPS label might have been harder to see. Now, it’s clearer even when zoomed out. Filipino leaders and the military see this as important recognition of their rights, especially after the 2016 international court ruling that favored the Philippines over China’s broader claims in the area.
Under Administrative Order No. 29, the Philippines officially named this area the West Philippine Sea in 2012, covering 200 miles Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in the West Philippine Sea. While China still calls it the South China Sea and disagrees with the international court’s decision, many Filipinos view Google’s update as a positive step in raising global awareness and acknowledging their sovereignty.
In a press release by the Philippines Government, Senate Majority Leader Francis ‘TOL’ Tolentino said “Growing global recognition for WPS represents a victory for all Filipinos. It is also an affirmation of the correctness of the Philippines’ current policy to assert its sovereign rights in line with international law and multilateralism.” Tolentino is the principal author of the landmark Philippine Maritime Zones Law (Republic Act 12064).
Australia
— Australian Ambassador, The Philippines (@AusAmbPH) September 2, 2024
New Zealand
This latest incident, with a CCG vessel ramming a 🇵🇭Philippine vessel, is profoundly troubling and fits a recent pattern of dangerous and destabilising actions in the region. 🇳🇿 New Zealand calls for de-escalation and compliance with international law, in particular UNCLOS. pic.twitter.com/lzAL5cLfyH
— New Zealand Embassy in Manila (@NZinManila) September 1, 2024
United States
The 🇺🇸 stands with its ally, the 🇵🇭, and condemns the dangerous and escalatory actions by the PRC against lawful 🇵🇭 maritime operations in the vicinity of Sabina Shoal in the South China Sea on Aug. 31. Read the @StateDept statement: https://t.co/8ER8R1n6zx #FriendsPartnersAllies pic.twitter.com/rYwKkzThW5
— U.S. Embassy in the Philippines (@USEmbassyPH) September 1, 2024
Japan
As a stakeholder of SCS, seriously concerned over the repeated incidents including yesterday’s collision by a CCG vessel against a 🇵🇭vessel. 🇯🇵opposes any unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force or coercion. 🇯🇵stands together with 🇵🇭 by upholding rule of law at sea. https://t.co/XgfvuDQYzR
— Ambassador of Japan in the Philippines (@AmbJPNinPH) August 31, 2024
UK Ambassador Laure Beaufils
🇬🇧 is concerned about reports of yet more dangerous actions by a Chinese vessel near Sabina Shoal. UK calls once again for respect for international law, including UNCLOS, and adherence to the 2016 Arbitral Award which is legally binding on the parties. https://t.co/cztdXBQyAj
— Ambassador Laure Beaufils 🇬🇧 (@LaureBeaufils) September 1, 2024
Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson Jay Tarriela on X/Twitter;
This afternoon, the Chinese Coast Guard vessel deliberately rammed and collided with the BRP Teresa Magbanua three times, despite no provocation from the Philippine Coast Guard.
Together with the United States, the Canadian Embassy in the Philippine also release an official statement regarding the water-cannon incident between the Chinese Coast Guard and the Philippines Coast Guard in the West Philippine Sea.
Just like the United States, Canada express their support to the PCG and “condemns the dangerous and provocative actions taken by the Chinese Coast Guard against Philippine vessels on August 5th, in the vicinity of Ayungin Shoal inside the Exclusive Economic Zone of the Philippines.”
Canada unreservedly condemns the dangerous and provocative actions taken by the Chinese Coast Guard against Philippine vessels on August 5th, in the vicinity of Ayungin Shoal inside the Exclusive Economic Zone of the Philippines. (1/5) pic.twitter.com/MXt5BMXZNK
— Canada in the Philippines (@CanEmbPH) August 6, 2023
Here the full text of Canada in the Philippines (@CanEmbPH) statement;
Canada unreservedly condemns the dangerous and provocative actions taken by the Chinese Coast Guard against Philippine vessels on August 5th, in the vicinity of Ayungin Shoal inside the Exclusive Economic Zone of the Philippines.
Unsafe maneuvers and use of water cannons to disrupt the lawful operations of Philippine vessels is unacceptable, and inconsistent with the obligations of the People’s Republic of China under international law. Continuing acts of intimidation and coercion by the PRC against its neighbours undermine safety, security and stability across the region, and raise the risks of grave miscalculation.
Canada reiterates its support for international law, including the 2016 arbitral decision on the South China Sea, which is final and binding, and calls on the PRC to comply with its obligations under international law.
Only by ensuring full respect for international law can we collectively set conditions for effective and collaborative management of maritime resources, maintenance of maritime safety and security, preservation of marine biodiversity, and respect for maritime boundaries, while ensuring the rights of all states under international law are protected.
Just hours after the incident between Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) and Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) in the WPS, United States Embassy in the Philippine release a statement in support of the Philippines and the PCG.
We stand with our 🇵🇭 allies in the face of dangerous actions by the People’s Republic of China Coast Guard and maritime militia to obstruct a Philippine resupply mission to Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea. Full statement by @StateDeptSpox: https://t.co/zuetSFYySg pic.twitter.com/zlBnqfNnwk
— U.S. Embassy in the Philippines (@USEmbassyPH) August 6, 2023
The full text of the press release was also published on the US.gov website, with the inclusion of 2016 Hague ruling in favor of the Philippines.
Here’s the full text of the press release;
The United States stands with our Philippine allies in the face of dangerous actions by the Coast Guard and maritime militia of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) to obstruct an August 5 Philippine resupply mission to Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea. Firing water cannons and employing unsafe blocking maneuvers, PRC ships interfered with the Philippines’ lawful exercise of high seas freedom of navigation and jeopardized the safety of the Philippine vessels and crew.
Such actions by the PRC are inconsistent with international law and are the latest in repeated threats to the status quo in the South China Sea, directly threatening regional peace and stability. By impeding necessary provisions from reaching the Filipino servicemembers stationed at Second Thomas Shoal, the PRC has also undertaken unwarranted interference in lawful Philippine maritime operations.
As made clear by an international tribunal’s legally binding decision issued in July 2016, the PRC has no lawful claim to the maritime area around Second Thomas Shoal, which is located well within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone.
The United States reiterates, pursuant to the 1982 Law of the Sea Convention, the arbitral decision is final and legally binding on the PRC and the Philippines. The United States calls upon the PRC to abide by the arbitral ruling as well as to respect the freedom of navigation – a right to which all states are entitled.
The United States reaffirms an armed attack on Philippine public vessels, aircraft, and armed forces—including those of its Coast Guard in the South China Sea—would invoke U.S. mutual defense commitments under Article IV of the 1951 U.S. Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty.
In the latest China versus Philippines, a Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) ship blocked and fired water cannons at Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) ship going to Ayungin Shoal for a resupply mission, the PCG said in a statement on Sunday, Aug 6th, 2023.
The water-cannon incident happened on Saturday as PCG vessel were escorting indigenous boats chartered by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to deliver food and supplies to military troops stationed on BRP Sierra Madre. The incident was captured on video by Philippine Coast Guard Officer Jay Tarriela and a drone video also made rounds on social media.
Unconfirmed video of dangerous and hostile action yesterday by China Coast Guard against small, unarmed PH vessel manned by the PH Navy on its way to resupply its Ayungin (2nd Thomas) Shoal outpost. CN again violates the principle of self-restraint under the 2002 DOC. pic.twitter.com/TCjBsODiuX
— Jay L Batongbacal (@JayBatongbacal) August 6, 2023
Philippine Coast Guard Officer Jay Tarriela said that “The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) strongly condemns the China Coast Guard’s (CCG’s) dangerous maneuvers and illegal use of water cannons against the PCG vessels escorting the indigenous boats chartered by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) yesterday, 5 August 2023.” Tarriela added that “Such actions by the CCG not only disregarded the safety of the PCG crew and the supply boats but also violated international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the 1972 Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS), and the 2016 Arbitral Award.”
Here’s the full text of what Philippine Coast Guard Officer Jay Tarriela on his social media account;
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) strongly condemns the China Coast Guard's (CCG's) dangerous maneuvers and illegal use of water cannons against the PCG vessels escorting the indigenous boats chartered by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) yesterday, 5 August 2023. These… pic.twitter.com/R6IiHKCnJa
— Jay Tarriela (@jaytaryela) August 6, 2023
Philippine Coast Guard Officer Jay Tarriela later posted a number of videos regarding the incident;
The Philippine Coast Guard expresses strong condemnation towards the unlawful behavior exhibited by the China Coast Guard vessels (CCG 4203 and CCG 5305) for their unwarranted use of water cannons against the MRRV-4409. Additionally, we call on the CCG to adhere to the COLREGS… pic.twitter.com/iSI2DU6JWP
— Jay Tarriela (@jaytaryela) August 7, 2023
And “recorded evidence of the Chinese Maritime Militia working in conjunction with the Chinese Coast Guard”
The @coastguardph has recorded evidence of the Chinese Maritime Militia working in conjunction with the Chinese Coast Guard to obstruct the resupply boat's passage towards Ayungin Shoal. pic.twitter.com/q3IA7QdpOC
— Jay Tarriela (@jaytaryela) August 7, 2023
It’s unclear what will be the response of Chinese envoy in the Philippine after being summoned by a deputy minister of the Philippines’ foreign affairs department.
Malacañang said Tuesday Chinese nationals can fish in parts of the South China Sea which fall under the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone. Current top breaking Philippine headlines regarding the nation, world, metro manila, regions and exclusive special investigative reports.