“[The Chinese coastguard] “China issued the warning in both Chinese and English, and reiterated its unequivocal sovereignty over the Spratly Islands and adjacent waters, including Xianbin Reef,” the report said.
The incident came on the eve of the implementation of new rules allowing the Chinese coast guard to detain foreign nationals for up to 60 days if they enter the South China Sea, which China considers its territorial waters. Maritime observers expect Beijing to show restraint in enforcing the guidelines.
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Beijing denies Manila’s claims that Chinese ships are building “artificial islands” in the South China Sea
Beijing denies Manila’s claims that Chinese ships are building “artificial islands” in the South China Sea
Zhang added that Manila had “broken its promises” and “played with fire,” escalating tensions.
The Philippine Coast Guard said in May that “China alone” was responsible for the destruction of the reef and vowed to strengthen its presence in shallow waters and on small islands in the South China Sea.
Manila also alleged that Beijing had sent hovercraft and aircraft to conduct drills in the area, which resulted in the Philippine patrol vessel BRP Teresa Magbanua being deployed to monitor for “unlawful activities.”
“Such actions are like thieves shouting ‘Stop thieving’ and fully demonstrate that it is definitely the Philippine side that is undermining peace and creating instability,” Zhang said, adding that the Chinese military would continue to take all necessary countermeasures against Manila’s “dangerous” and “escalating” moves.
China’s new arrest rules drew a strong protest from the Philippines. Ignoring warnings from Beijing, the Philippine military commander on Thursday urged fishermen to continue operating their boats in the country’s exclusive economic zone in the South China Sea.
“The message to our fishermen is not to be afraid, but to continue with normal activities in our exclusive economic zone,” Philippine military commander Gen. Romeo Brawner said on Friday. “There is no reason for our fishermen to be afraid because we have the right to exploit the resources in that area.”
Opposition groups and fishing associations have criticized China’s actions in the area as baseless and staged a protest outside Beijing’s consulate in Manila on Friday.
“Fishermen and Filipinos will not obey orders. It is China that will be held accountable as an intruder,” said Mon Palatino, secretary-general of the opposition party Bayan Muna.
