Manila, Philippines – The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) strongly rejected the Chinese Embassy in Manila’s assertion that China holds sovereign rights and jurisdiction over the waters off Batanes.
This follows the embassy’s statement regarding the operations of a Chinese research vessel in the waters off Batanes, an area that falls within the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
The Chinese research and survey vessel in question was spotted 37 nautical miles northwest of Itbayat, Batanes—clearly within Philippine jurisdiction.
The DFA further asserted that the Philippine Coast Guard’s (PCG) actions were lawful, constituting a routine enforcement operation in response to unauthorized scientific research activity in the waters off Batanes.
Under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), marine scientific research conducted within a state’s EEZ and continental shelf requires the state’s consent.
According to the DFA, they received no request from China, nor was any permission granted for the Chinese vessel to conduct marine scientific research.
A PCG report indicated that the Chinese research vessel left its position following the deployment of the agency’s largest ship, the BRP Teresa Magbanua.
This marked the first time the vessel had moved from that location since it was first monitored on September 28.
In a statement, Chinese Embassy Deputy Spokesperson Guo Wei claimed that the Chinese research vessel was operating in waters under Beijing’s jurisdiction and that its actions were consistent with international law and UNCLOS.
The DFA once again called on China to fulfill its obligations under international law and avoid actions that could strain the relations between Manila and Beijing.