Manila slams continuing Chinese build-up
Calls it violation of Philippine sovereignty
Manila: The government has taken note of the continuing Chinese maritime build-up in Scarborough Shoal as Manila stressed that such actions are "clear violations of Philippine sovereignty and jurisdiction" over the area.
In a statement, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said they have received reports from the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) of "an increasing number and pattern of Chinese vessels and fishing vessels" in the Scarborough Shoal.
Referred to by Manila as "Bajo de Masinloc" and by Beijing as "Hungyan Island," the Scarborough Shoal is a group of islets located in the South China Sea (West Philippine Sea). Jurisdiction over the area is being disputed by China, which nearest landmass is located some 450 nautical miles — and the Philippines, which closest point is some 120 nautical miles away.
"At around 7pm of May 21, 2012, there were five Chinese vessels, and 16 Chinese fishing boats, ten of which were inside the lagoon while six were outside. In addition, there were 56 utility boats, 27 of which were inside the lagoon and 29 were outside.
Tensions
"Yesterday, there were still 16 Chinese fishing vessels and the number of utility boats went up to 76," the DFA said.
The Department added that the build up of Chinese vessels came at a period when both countries are trying to resolve issues brought about by a naval face-off last April.
"It is regrettable that these actions occurred at a time when China has been articulating for a de-escalation of tensions and while the two sides have been discussing how to defuse the situation in the area," the DFA said.
It can be recalled that tensions flared up near Scarborough Shoal in early April after the Philippine Navy accosted four Chinese fishing vessels that intruded inside a sea territory claimed by the country. The incident resulted in an impasse that continue up to this time.
The DFA said that aside from violating the Philippines' sovereignty, the actions of the Chinese are also in violation of the Asean-China Declaration of Conduct on the South China Sea.
