PH insists it doesn't recognize China fishing ban

The Philippines does not recognize China’s annual ban on fishing in some parts of the disputed West Philippine Sea, the Department of Foreign Affairs said Friday.

According to the DFA, the fishing ban imposed by China from May 1 to August 16 has been the subject of the country’s diplomatic protests.

“We will continue to register our formal opposition to it. It is an illegal exercise of state authority in so far as they cover the Philippines’ maritime zones,” the DFA said in a statement.

China has imposed the ban each year since 1999.

The Philippines called on China to take active measures at port to prevent its fishing fleets from entering the country’s territorial sea and exclusive economic zone.

“The Philippines is ready to take law enforcement measures on illegal fishing activities in its waters,” DFA said.

In 2013, the Philippines challenged China’s legal basis for its vast claim in the South China Sea before the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, Netherlands.

Manila won the case in a landmark ruling in 2016 after the tribunal invalidated Beijing’s assertions.

China, however, has said that it does not recognize the ruling.—Joahna Lei Casilao/AOL, GMA Integrated News