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| “China’s position on the South China Sea issue is consistent and clear-cut,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said in a press briefing on Oct. 21. (Photo from Inquirer) |
[Asia News = Reporter Reakkana] MANILA: After the Philippines protested China's recent “provocative actions” in the disputed South China Sea, Beijing insisted its activities in the area were “legitimate and reasonable.” “China's position on the South China Sea issue is consistent and clear-cut,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said in a press briefing on Oct. 21, PH Inquirer reported.
“It is legitimate and reasonable for China's maritime law enforcement authorities to conduct law enforcement activities in waters under China's jurisdiction in accordance with domestic laws and international laws, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea,” he claimed. In Manila's latest move against China's activities, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) protested the “unlawful” issuance of over 200 radio challenges, “sounding of sirens, and blowing of horns” by Chinese government ships against Filipino authorities conducting patrols over and around Philippine territory and maritime zones.
“These provocative acts threaten the peace, good order, and security of the South China Sea and run contrary to China's obligations under international law,” the DFA said. So far, the Philippines has lodged 211 notes verbal against Chinese actions in Philippine waters, 153 of which were filed this year alone.
