Tian Junli, a spokesperson for the People’s Liberation Army Southern Theater Command said on Monday that China followed, monitored, warned and blocked the Philippines’ ship in accordance with the law.
But the Philippines’ National Security Adviser said Philippine Ship 39, which conducted “routine patrol operations” around the shoal “did not illegally enter any space under Chinese sovereignty”.
“China is again over-hyping this incident and creating unnecessary tensions between our two nations,” Eduardo Ano said in a statement.
China and the Philippines have had several confrontations in the South China Sea, recently trading accusations about a collision between a Chinese coastguard vessel and a boat from the Philippines.
Last month, the Philippine removed a Chinese floating barrier near the Scarborough Shoal, known as Bajo de Masinloc in Manila and Huangyan Island in China. The shoal is also claimed by Taiwan and Vietnam.
“We urge China to act responsibly, respect UNCLOS (UN Convention on the Law of the Sea), and adhere to the 2016 Arbitral Ruling, promote the rules-based international order, and stop its aggressive and illegal actions in Philippine waters,” Ano said.
Source: CNA
