DFA rejects China claim over Batanes

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Friday rejected China’s claim of sovereign rights and jurisdiction over waters off Batanes, saying a Chinese research vessel operated within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone without Manila’s consent.

The DFA said the Chinese research and survey vessel JIA HAI KE 7 was detected about 37 nautical miles northwest of Itbayat, Batanes.

The department said the Philippine Coast Guard was conducting lawful and routine law enforcement operations in response to suspected unauthorized marine scientific research by the vessel.

The PCG earlier said the vessel had been loitering in the area since 28 September and was operating within the Philippine EEZ. It deployed the BRP Teresa Magbanua and an aircraft to challenge the vessel, which the PCG said eventually left the area after sustained pressure.

The DFA said the Philippines had not received any request from China and had not given consent for any Chinese vessel to conduct marine scientific research in the area.

Consent required

“Under Article 246 of UNCLOS, marine scientific research in the EEZ and on the continental shelf shall be conducted with the consent of the coastal State,” the DFA said.

The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea provides that coastal states have the right to regulate, authorize and conduct marine scientific research within their EEZ and on their continental shelf.

The Chinese Embassy, however, had said the vessel was operating in waters under China’s jurisdiction and characterized the area as subject to overlapping maritime claims between Manila and Beijing.

The DFA called on China to fulfill its obligations under international law and avoid actions it said could undermine efforts to rebuild mutual trust.

“The Philippines will continue to uphold the country’s sovereign rights and jurisdiction in its EEZ peacefully and responsibly in accordance with international law,” the department said.