Philippines Firmly Rejects China's Sovereign Claims Over Batanes Waters

The Philippine government has categorically rejected China's assertion of sovereign rights over the waters surrounding Batanes, the country's northernmost province. This response comes in the wake of a confrontation involving the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and a Chinese research vessel, the Jia Hai Ke 7, which had been operating in the area without authorization.

The PCG deployed its largest vessel and an aircraft to challenge the Chinese ship, which had been loitering approximately 37 nautical miles northwest of Itbayat, Batanes. According to PCG spokesperson Jay Tarriela, a vessel from the China Coast Guard attempted to shield the research ship during the encounter, which ultimately led to the disruption of what the PCG described as unauthorized marine scientific research.

“The Department firmly and strongly rejects the Chinese Embassy’s assertion that China has sovereign rights and jurisdiction in the waters off Batanes.”Department of Foreign Affairs, Philippines

In a statement issued by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), officials asserted that the Chinese vessel was operating well within the Philippines’ 200-nautical-mile Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). The DFA emphasized that under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), any marine scientific research in a coastal state’s EEZ requires the consent of that state. The DFA stated that the Philippines did not receive any request from the Chinese side, and no consent has been given to any Chinese vessel to conduct such research.

China's embassy in Manila responded by asserting that the Jia Hai Ke 7 was conducting normal operations within waters it claims as its own, urging the Philippines to respect its sovereign rights. The embassy characterized the Philippine actions as provocative interference with China’s scientific research activities. Guo Wei, a deputy spokesperson for the embassy, stated that China firmly opposes the Philippines' illegal actions in waters under China's jurisdiction based on unilateral claims.

Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro has also weighed in, dismissing the Chinese claims as baseless and ludicrous. He described himself as an advocate, noting that his role requires him to resist unlawful interference with Philippine sovereignty, which he said is a point of contention with Foreign Affairs Secretary Theresa Lazaro.

In an interview, Teodoro said he is an advocate and that, as has been said, this is why Secretary Lazaro has a difficult time with him.

This incident reflects ongoing maritime tensions between the Philippines and China, particularly as it pertains to Batanes, which has not previously been a focal point of such disputes.

As the region continues to experience heightened tensions, the Philippines remains committed to asserting its rights under international law, as evidenced by the DFA's firm stance against China's claims.