The chief of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines stated on Friday that the military and other maritime law enforcement agencies are prepared to defend Filipino fishermen from China’s “anti-trespassing policy,” emphasizing the fishermen’s right to fish in the West Philippine Sea.
General Romeo Brawner Jr. reaffirmed that Filipino fishermen should continue their fishing activities as normal, underscoring the military’s commitment to protecting the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in the South China Sea.
China’s Coast Guard has recently issued Order No. 3, which comes into effect on June 15, authorizing its personnel to detain foreign ships and crews for 30 to 60 days without trial within waters claimed by China. While this regulation supposedly pertains to waters under Chinese jurisdiction, the document has raised concerns due to China’s expansive claims in the South China Sea, which involve territorial disputes with several nations, including the Philippines.
According to the Philippines’ Department of Foreign Affairs, such regulations involve an illegal expansion of China’s maritime law enforcement powers. The department views these actions as a “direct violation of international law,” particularly impacting areas known as the West Philippine Sea, the term the Philippines uses for parts of the South China Sea within its EEZ.
Leonardo Cuaresma, President of the New Masinloc Fishermen’s Association, lashed out against the detentions, maintaining that Filipino fishermen are innocent. Colonel Xerxes Trinidad, Chief of the AFP Public Affairs Office, also criticized China’s regulation, describing it as a threat to the rule of law and international maritime norms. He labeled China’s actions as “illegal, coercive, aggressive and deceptive,” affirming that the Philippines will not be “deterred or intimidated.”
China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on the other hand, defended Order No. 3, stating that the regulation aims to standardize law enforcement measures and “better uphold order at sea,” alleviating concerns for those not involved in illegal activities.
Tension in the South China Sea has escalated recently, especially between the Philippines and China. The two nations have ongoing disputes over territorial claims, with China asserting much of the region under its Nine-Dash Line claim, often backed by military presence.
In recent months, the situation has further deteriorated. Philippine officials publicly accused the Chinese Coast Guard of hostile actions, such as hitting a Philippine supply boat. Additionally, in May, the Philippines deployed ships to the area amid reports that China was creating an artificial island.
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