The Department of National Defense (DND) in the Philippines has emphasized that all of its operations in maritime territories, including the West Philippine Sea, are conducted by international law and the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
DND stated that the Philippines is merely asserting its legitimate rights under UNCLOS and Philippine law and that these operations are carried out in areas where the Philippines has every right to operate.
The agency also stressed that the Philippines is not seeking conflict by asserting these rights.
The DND’s remarks come amid ongoing efforts by the Philippines to resupply its detachments and conduct sovereignty patrols in the West Philippine Sea, which has been the subject of territorial disputes with China.
The agency added that the Philippines would continue with its operations to uphold sovereignty in the WPS in a “balanced” manner, despite the risk of increased harassment from China and stressed that all activities in the WPS would be carefully crafted to avoid increasing tensions or conflict, and that they would be done in the best interests of the country.
Source: PhilNews24 | November 7, 2023
