Chinese Vessel Enters PH EEZ
Chinese vessel enters PH EEZ – A Chinese Coast Guard vessel entered the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of the Philippines and faced the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), as reported on Thursday.
PCG spokesperson Commander Armand Balilo said in a report by GMA News that they had a talk with the Chinese Coast Guard, saying that they are even polite during the exchange of messages.
“Very polite naman yung exchange of messages. Nagpakilala lang sila (Chinese Coast Guard) at nagpakilala lang din kami. Nagtanungan lang,” Balilo said as quoted in the report.
[The exchange of messages were very polite. They introduced themselves and we as well did. It’s an exchange of questions.]
The said face-off happened three weeks ago at 73 to 100 nautical miles from Subic, Zambales. The place was a known fishing are for local Filipino fishermen.
“We have been patrolling the area, assisting our fishermen. Kaya nandun yung mga barko ng Coast Guard [that’s why the ships of the Coast Guard were there],” Balilo said.
“We intend to continue patrolling doon. It is part of the West Philippine Sea. It is within our exclusive economic zone,” he added saying that there are two PCG vessels accompanying the fishermen.
As admitted by Balilo, the two PCG vessels were smaller than the Chinese Coast Guard vessel that passed by them but, he said that they allowed the fishermen do their living.
“But they were very cordial. No untoward incident happened,” Balilo said.
Last month, the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) ruled in favor of the Philippines regarding the claims by China over most of the West Philippine Sea.
But, China insisted that it won’t honor the international ruling.
Meanwhile, PCG Commandant Rear Admiral William Melad said that it is normal for any foreign vessels to pass the country’s EEZ, but have no rights to fish there.
Melad added that Filipinos can now go there anytime.