GOVPH Home Consular

(/) About Transparency Services News Reso

(HTTP://WWW.GOV.PH)

Search ... 
(/)
(https://www.facebook.com/dfaphl) (https://twitter.com/dfaphl)
(https://www.flickr.com/photos/dfaopd/)
(https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCR1TNyQRJPiaSNu9cezMsCQ)
(https://www.instagram.com/dfaphl/)

STATEMENT: ON THE PRESENCE OF CHINESE VESSELS

NEAR AND AROUND PAG-ASA

Statement: On the Presence of Chinese Vessels Near and

Around Pag-asa
04 April 2019

The Pag-asa Islands are part of the Kalayaan Island Group (KIG), which is an integral part of the
Philippines over which it has sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction.
Accordingly, the presence of Chinese vessels near and around Pag-asa and other maritime
features in the KIG is illegal. Such actions are a clear violation of Philippine sovereignty, sovereign
rights and jurisdiction, as defined under international law including the 1982 United Nations
Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Moreover, it has been observed that Chinese
vessels have been present in large numbers and for sustained and recurring periods—what is
commonly referred to as “swarming” tactics—raising questions about their intent as well as
concerns over their role in support of coercive objectives.
Such actions when not repudiated by the Chinese government are deemed to have been adopted
by it.
The presence of Chinese vessels within the KIG, whether military, fishing or other vessels, will thus
continue to be the subject of appropriate action by the Philippines.
For the record, the Philippines has consistently manifested its position on the Pag-asa Islands and
on the KIG, and its objections or concerns over illegal, tension-raising or coercive activities, through
diplomatic actions, including notes verbales and in meetings with the Chinese side, including the
Philippines-China Bilateral Consultation Mechanism (BCM).
We call on concerned parties to desist from any action and activity that contravenes the ASEAN-
China Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC), as these generate
/
 tension, mistrust and uncertainty, and threatens regional peace and stability.
While negotiations for a Code of Conduct (COC) in the South China Sea are ongoing, the
Philippines calls for the full and effective implementation of the DOC. We cannot emphasize enough
the imperative to build and promote mutual trust and confidence, to exercise self-restraint in the
conduct of activities; and to avoid actions that may further complicate the situation and undermine
peace, security and stability in the region.
The Joint Statement issued by the Philippines and China on the occasion of last year’s State Visit of
President Xi Jinping to the Philippines includes an agreement by both sides to exercise self-
restraint with respect to activities in the South China Sea that would complicate or escalate disputes
and affect peace and stability. We call on the Chinese government to adhere to this consensus
reached at the highest levels, down to its agencies and its military. END

CALL US
For Passport Appointment Concerns
8 234 3488
Passport, Authentication, &
Other Consular Inquiries
8 651 9400
Satellite/Regional
Consular Offices Directory (https://consular.dfa.gov.ph/)

DFA Home Office

(02) 8 834-3000
(02) 8 834-4000

VISIT US
DFA Home Office
2330 Roxas Boulevard
Pasay City
Metro Manila, Philippines

Office of Consular Affairs

Bradco Avenue, corner
Macapagal Boulevard
ASEANA Business Park
Paranaque City, Metro Manila
Philippines

/
/