Chinese ship incident in WPS flouts int'l law —Del Rosario

China coast guard ship's “close distance maneuvering” in Bajo de Masinloc (Panatag Shoal) was "deliberate and malicious," and in violation of international law, former Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario said Wednesday.

"It was recently reported that a Chinese Coast Guard vessel came dangerously close to a Philippine Coast Guard vessel near Bajo de Masinloc or Panatag Shoal (Scarborough Shoal).  At the same time, China reportedly warned the Philippines not to interfere with its patrol at the Shoal stating that it allegedly “has sovereignty over [sic] Bajo de Masinloc and its adjacent waters as well as sovereign rights and jurisdiction over relevant waters," he said in a statement.

"Based on the statement of the Chinese Foreign Ministry, it is clear that the dangerous maneuver by the Chinese Coast Guard was not merely incidental, accidental or by chance.  It was deliberate.  It was malicious," Del Rosario added.

The country's former chief diplomat stressed China defied the agreements in the International Maritime Organization (IMO) framework including the 1972 International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea.

“We condemn the malicious and reckless action of the Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) in endangering the lives of the Filipinos aboard BRP Malabrigo.  At the same time, we wish to commend the officers and crew of the Filipino vessel for their courage in conducting patrols around Bajo de Masinloc,” he said.

Located 229.6 kilometers (124 nautical miles) away from Zambales, Bajo de Masinloc is part of the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

On Sunday, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported a CCG vessel (3305) dangerously maneuvered towards BRP Malabrigo (MRRV-4402)  at approximately 21 yards in the waters off Bajo de Masinloc on March 2.

BRP Malabrigo's maneuvering space was constrained by the CCG vessel's action, which was a violation of the 1972 International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea. This prompted the Philippines to file a fresh diplomatic protest against China.

Beijing, however, maintained it has sovereign rights over the region and urged the PCG to “earnestly respect” its claim to the waters.

Del Rosario disputed China's claim of sovereignty over Bajo de Masinloc, saying it belongs to the Philippines.

“Therefore, the presence and conduct of patrol by the Chinese Coast Guard in Bajo de Masinloc is illegal and affects the peace in the West Philippines Sea and the South China Sea,” he said.

“The Philippines exercised effective jurisdiction over Bajo de Masinloc peacefully over a long period of time without interference from any other country, even using the same as a target during live-fire exercise with the United States armed forces,” Del Rosario added.—LDF, GMA News