Manila, Philippines – The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has articulated the Philippines’ position in the West Philippine Sea and the South China Sea, grounded by the international laws particularly the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea and the 2016 Arbitration ruling.
As well as affirming its support to the publicly elected officials and government institutions performing their lawful duties in defending the country’s sovereignty, rights and jurisdiction.
This is amid the exchange of statements from Chinese envoy in Manila – Ambassador Jing Quan and PCG Spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Commodore Jay Tarriela.
The DFA also said, that differences between states should be addressed through diplomatic channels rather than exchanging views publicly.
Several progressive groups have expressed their support to Tarriela stances over defending the rights and sovereignty o the Philippines in the highly disputed territory.
Liberal Party, Akbayan, and Mamamayang Liberal said that a warning by the government of China against Philippine official must be stop or pay the price as it possibly cause escalation of threat against Filipino People.
The University of Asia and the Pacific has denounces any foreign threat against public official in the Philippines that only protects the country’s sovereign rights.
In a separate statements release by the Chinese Embassy in Manila, they said the Tarriela has violated the China’s political dignity and that also a blatant political provocations.
Beijing also directed Manila to choose peace over conflict.
Tarriela insists that he does not have liabilities against Beijing, as he noted that China is the one who violated the Vienna Convention by diverting the real issue – which Beijing exercises harassment and aggressive actions against Philippine vessels in the waters contained within the country’s exclusive economic zone.—Alvin Pelobello, Eurotv News