DFA rejects China’s claim over Batanes
The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs rejected China's claims of sovereignty over waters near Batanes. The dispute follows an incident involving a Chinese research vessel that the Philippines claims was operating illegally within its exclusive economic zone.
Why it matters
This highlights ongoing territorial tensions in the South China Sea and the Philippines' assertive stance on protecting its maritime sovereignty.
THE Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said it "firmly and strongly rejects" the claim of the Chinese Embassy in Manila that China has sovereign rights over the waters off Batanes.The DFA issued the statement after the embassy alleged that the Philippine Coast Guard on Thursday harassed the Chinese research vessel Jia Hai Ke 7 that was detected approximately 37 nautical miles northwest of Itbayat, Batanes.The Jia Hai Ke 7 was conducting normal scientific operations in waters under China's jurisdiction, the embassy said."The Philippine Coast Guard's harassment of the Chinese research vessel infringes upon China's sovereign rights and jurisdiction in the relevant waters, violates international law...
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