Philippines queries China on order to board vessels
Manila has asked China to clarify reports Beijing ordered its navy to board and interdict foreign ships entering its claimed territories in the South China Sea.
The Philippines has asked China to clarify reports Beijing ordered its navy to board and interdict foreign ships entering its claimed territories in the South China Sea, an official said on Monday.
The foreign department said a diplomatic note seeking clarifications was sent on Saturday following reports appearing in the Chinese media, department spokesman Raul Hernandez told reporters.
“We would like China to immediately clarify its reported plans to interdict ships that enter what it considers its territory in the South China Sea,” said the note, which the department posted on its website.
“If media reports are accurate, this planned action by China is ... a direct threat to the entire international community.
“It violates not only the maritime domain of coastal states established under UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea), but also impedes the fundamental freedom of navigation and lawful commerce.”
Hernandez said that according to reports the Chinese law would take effect in Hainan province in January next year and allow Chinese authorities to board, inspect, detain, confiscate, immobilise and expel vessels caught sailing through.
