DFA: PH activities not subject to any other country's approval

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Wednesday said the activities of the Philippines within its exclusive economic zone (EEZ) are not subject to the approval of any country.

DFA spokesperson Ma. Teresita Daza made the statement after Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian called out the Philippines' supposed delivery of building materials to BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal.

“The rotation and resupply missions to the BRP Sierra Madre are legitimate and routine activities in our EEZ,” Daza told GMA News Online when asked if China has a right to dictate the Philippines about BRP Sierra Madre and its resupply mission to the ship.

“The Philippines’ exercise of its sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction within our maritime zones is not subject to any other country’s approval. This is the norm,” she added.

Philippine vessels successfully completed their follow-up mission to resupply the BRP Sierra Madre on Tuesday despite alleged attempts of Chinese vessels to block and harass the operation.

Senator Francis Tolentino on Wednesday provided media with a video showing a China Coast Guard vessel near two Philippine vessels on the resupply mission.

WATCH: Chinese Coast Guard ship seen near the two Philippine vessels carrying supplies for military personnel manning the BRP Sierra Madre at Ayungin Shoal. The NTF-WPS said the resupply mission was successful. Video from Senator Francis Tolentino’s office. @gmanews pic.twitter.com/PxJmSt7RRL

— Hana Bordey (@HanaBordey) August 23, 2023

Huang claimed that there had been no problem with the delivery of "humanitarian supplies" until the Philippine side supposedly carried "large-scale" building materials.

"There has never been a problem with the delivery of humanitarian supplies because there is a special arrangement for it, and the problem arose when the Philippines transported large-scale building materials," Huang said.

"That's all I can share with you for now," he added.

The Philippines needed to conduct the follow-up mission as only one of the two resupply boats was able to deliver items to BRP Sierra Madre in its previous resupply mission on August 5.

Chinese vessels performed dangerous maneuvers and used water cannons against Philippine vessels to block the August 5 resupply mission. —With a report from Hana Bordey/KG, GMA Integrated News