The Philippines will sustain a constant presence in Escoda Shoal to counter Chinese attempts to assert control over the area, according to National Maritime Council (NMC) spokesman Vice Admiral Alexander Lopez.
Lopez emphasized that the country will not relinquish any part of its territory and will continue patrols and resupply missions in the West Philippine Sea.
The Philippines views recent Chinese activities, including a Coast Guard vessel ramming a Philippine ship, as illegal and a violation of international maritime law.
The Senate has ratified the Archipelagic Sea Lanes (ASL) Law, which aims to bolster the country’s maritime security and comply with the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.
Lopez urged Filipinos to support the government and dismiss Chinese claims, which lack legal basis and were contradicted by the 2016 Arbitral Ruling.
Source: PhilNews24 | September 5, 2024
