Philippines airs ‘Concern’ over pla’s military drills in South China Sea

THE Philippine government expressed “concern” on Friday over China’s conduct of military exercises in the waters off the Paracels, which are claimed by Vietnam, and reminded its Asian neighbor to respect the freedom of navigation of other countries.

In a video statement, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said the Chinese People’s Liberation Army’s military exercises are being held in the waters off what China calls Xisha and Nansha islands, from July 1 to 5, as posted in “Navigation Notice 0069” dated June 27. Manila reminded Beijing to stick to their coordinates so that they will not “impinge” on Philippine territory.

“Should the exercise spill over to Philippine territory, then China is forewarned that it will be met with the severest response, diplomatic and whatever else is appropriate,” warned Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. in the video statement.

Quoting the post on China’s maritime safety administration web site, Locsin noted with concern that, “For this period, no vessel will be allowed to navigate within the prescribed area [of the PLA exercises], and all vessels shall have to follow the guidance of the commander Chinese ship on the site.”

The exercises, Locsin noted, are being held in the Paracels, “over which Vietnam claims sovereignty.”

He said the Philippines had previously protested the establishment of districts Xisha and Nansha under the administrative jurisdiction of Sansha city. “The creation of Sansha city is null and void ab initio for being devoid of basis in international law,” he added.

He added, “this is the problem with playing fast and loose with historical narratives and historical names. They open themselves to error unless the real purpose is to excuse unchallenged mistakes that may over time harden into rights.”

He continued, “unless again, the purpose is to establish a perennial and unchallenged presence that may in time congeal into rights.”

According to the former lawmaker and Harvard-trained lawyer, China is just as entitled as any other power to invoke freedom of navigation in its military exercises, but cautioned that “freedom of navigation requires a straight and uninterrupted voyage.”

Locsin added that at a time like this, one would hope that “simulated military exercises would be more in keeping with the spirit of cooperation that China has encouraged everyone to take.”