China's accusations misleading, lack legal basis - National Maritime Council

MANILA, January 15 ------ The National Maritime Council (NMC) pushed back against the Chinese Embassy in Manila’s statements on the situation in the West Philippine Sea rejecting Beijing’s claims as legally unfounded and misleading.

The response came after Chinese Embassy Deputy Spokesperson Guo Wei issued a statement on Monday, January 12, insisting that China’s actions in the said waters are lawful. In a televised interview, NMC spokesperson Undersecretary Alexander Lopez said China’s accusations have no basis in international law, stressing that it is Beijing’s maritime forces that continue to engage in illegal, coercive, aggressive and deceptive (ICAD) actions at sea. “Walang basehang legal sa international law ang akusasyon ng China. Bagkus pa, sila ang gumagamit ng kanilang maritime forces at gumagawa ng mga illegal na pamamaraan,” Lopez said.

He cited incidents such as water cannoning of Filipino fishers, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), as well as close and dangerous encounters at sea and in the air. He added that China has engaged in shadowing, blocking, ramming, pointing military-grade laser devices, and spreading disinformation, yet portrays itself as a victim. “[Ang China ay] nagpapakalat ng maling impormasyon upang malinlang ang publiko, at iguhit ang China bilang ang biktima at ang Pilipinas ang maysala,” Lopez said. “Sa mga ginagawa nilang ito, sino ba ang gumagawa ng tinatawag nilang provocations?” the official asked.

Source: news.abs-cbn.com