MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines is “strongly opposed” to any application of China’s coast guard law “beyond the limits” of Beijing’s maritime entitlements under international law and the 2016 arbitral award on the South China Sea, which invalidated China’s expansive claims in the disputed waters.
In a statement on Friday detailing Manila’s actions to address issues concerning the West Philippine Sea, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) noted that the Philippines was the first country to file a diplomatic protest against China’s new law, which would allow the Chinese Coast Guard to fire at foreign vessels in areas claimed by China.
“While enacting a law is a sovereig…
Keep on reading: PH ‘strongly opposes’ application of China coast guard law ‘beyond Beijing’s territory’