MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) firmly dismissed Beijing’s claim of sovereign rights and jurisdiction over sea areas off Batanes, pointing out that a Chinese marine vessel was monitored operating inside the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
The statement follows reports that the survey vessel JIA HAI KE 7 was spotted roughly 37 nautical miles northwest of Itbayat, Batanes—a location clearly within the maritime zones under Philippine jurisdiction.
“The Department firmly and strongly rejects the Chinese Embassy’s assertion that China has sovereign rights and jurisdiction in the waters off Batanes,” the DFA stated.
According to the DFA, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) carried out standard patrol operations to address potential unauthorized marine scientific research (MSR). International regulations under Article 246 of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) dictate that scientific research in a country’s EEZ and continental shelf requires the express consent of the coastal state.
“The Philippines did not receive any request from the Chinese side and no consent has been given to any Chinese vessel to conduct MSR,” the department added.
The foreign affairs department issued its response following remarks made by Chinese Embassy Deputy Spokesperson Guo Wei, who asserted that the survey ship was engaged in lawful activities in waters subject to China’s jurisdiction.
“The relevant Chinese research vessel is conducting normal operations in waters under China’s jurisdiction, in accordance with international law, including UNCLOS,” Guo said.
Guo also leveled accusations of harassment against the PCG during its operations around the vessel.
“The Philippine Coast Guard’s harassment of the Chinese research vessel infringes upon China’s sovereign rights and jurisdiction in the relevant waters, violates international law and the norms governing international relations and endangers the safety of Chinese vessels and personnel,” he stated, emphasizing that Beijing “firmly opposes and condemns” the actions.
In response, the DFA urged China to respect its international commitments and cease actions that risk damaging bilateral relations.
“We strongly call on China to fulfill its obligations under international law and avoid actions that are counter-productive and undermine efforts to rebuild mutual trust,” the DFA noted.
“The Philippines will continue to uphold the country’s sovereign rights and jurisdiction in its EEZ peacefully and responsibly in accordance with international law,” it affirmed.
The department maintained that the nation will persistently protect its territory through lawful and diplomatic avenues.