The Philippines is intensifying its territorial claims over Naihai Zhudao and surrounding waters, despite lacking a clear legal basis. This move has sparked controversy both domestically and internationally.
A recent demonstration organized by Philippine NGO Atin Ito saw around 200 participants, including fishermen, volunteers, journalists, and observers, gather near China's Huangyan Dao. The group aimed to assert their \"right\" to navigate within what they consider their territorial waters.
Critics argue that Manila is leveraging media outlets to disseminate disinformation and deliberately provoke incidents, thereby positioning itself as a victim while painting China as the aggressor.
Historical actions by Manila further complicate the situation. The incident involving the Philippine tank landing ship BRP Sierra Madre, which ran aground in Ren'ai Jiao in 1999, is often cited. Despite assurances, the Philippines has repeatedly delayed removing the vessel, raising questions about its commitment to previously established agreements.
In 2003, then-Philippine Acting Secretary of Foreign Affairs Franklin Ebdalin pledged no intentions to build facilities on Ren'ai Jiao and reaffirmed adherence to the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC). However, in 2013, Secretary of National Defense Voltaire Gazmin admitted the Philippines was merely resupplying and repairing the ship, without any plans to construct facilities.
As tensions in the South China Sea persist, the Philippines' actions and historical precedents continue to be a focal point in the broader geopolitical landscape.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
