An official of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) criticized China for its attempt to set a "new policy" in the West Philippine Sea. According to Commodore Jay Tarriela, spokesperson of the PCG for the West Philippine Sea, a China Coast Guard (CCG) ship is operating illegally near the province of Zambales. He said the Chinese ship threatened a Filipino ship that it would take "necessary measures" if the Filipino ship did not leave the area.
For Tarriela, such a threat by China clearly shows its intention to change the existing rules-based international system. China's actions, according to him, clearly violate international rules that promote peace and order in the region. He also emphasized that the presence of Filipino ships conducting maritime patrols within the country's waters is legitimate.
He said, China's objection to the legitimate presence of the Philippines is a clear manifestation of its aggression in the West Philippine Sea. Tarriela also said that this kind of behavior by China should not be allowed, because it could cause a worse situation in the future. The threat to Philippine ships shows China's lack of respect for the country's right to the said territory.
Meanwhile, the PCG insisted that they will continue to defend the sovereignty of the Philippines in the West Philippine Sea. Part of their mandate is to maintain security and order in the country's territorial waters. At the same time, they urged the public to support their measures to ensure the country's right to the ocean.
Meanwhile, the PCG insisted that they will continue to defend the sovereignty of the Philippines in the West Philippine Sea. Part of their mandate is to maintain security and order in the country's territorial waters. At the same time, they urged the public to support their measures to ensure the country's right to the ocean.
