Teodoro dares China to put sovereignty claim to arbitration

A Chinese language navy ship is seen crusing within the South China Sea, October 4, 2023. REUTERS FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — The chief of the Division of Nationwide Protection (DND) on Monday dared China to take its claims of sovereignty within the South China Sea to worldwide arbitration following one other standoff on the weekend, however mentioned Manila wouldn’t budge on its place.

The Philippines accused China’s coastguard of utilizing water cannon in opposition to a civilian boat supplying troops stationed on a grounded warship on the disputed Second Thomas Shoal, damaging the resupply boat and injuring some crew, the most recent in a succession of flare-ups previously yr.

“If China just isn’t afraid to state its claims to the world, then why don’t we arbitrate below worldwide regulation?,” DND Secretary Gilberto Teodoro instructed reporters.

READ: PH vessel sustains ‘heavy harm’ in Chinese language coast guard assault

China’s coastguard mentioned it took mandatory measures in opposition to the Philippine vessels. China’s protection ministry on Sunday instructed the Philippines to stop “provocative actions” and feedback which will result in battle and an escalation.

The Philippines’ nationwide safety adviser convened a high-level assembly of high safety officers on Monday over the incident, to organize suggestions to place to President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on methods ahead within the dispute.

READ: China vows to safeguard its territorial integrity after SCS incident

China claims virtually the whole South China Sea as its personal, together with the Second Thomas Shoal, which is inside the Philippines’ 200-mile (320-km) unique financial zone.

Beijing has deployed a whole lot of coastguard vessel all through the South China Sea to patrol what it considers its territory, regardless of the Everlasting Courtroom of Arbitration making clear in 2016 that its huge declare had no foundation below worldwide regulation.

“They’re those who entered our territory,” Teodoro mentioned.

“No nation believes (their claims) they usually see this as their method to make use of pressure, intimidate and bend the Philippines to their ambitions.”