The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has reaffirmed its commitment to defending the country’s rights in the West Philippine Sea, asserting that it will not back down against China’s actions in the disputed waters.
In an interview with Bombo Radyo Iloilo, PCG spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, Commodore Jay Tarriela, emphasized that China must respect the 2016 arbitral tribunal ruling, which affirmed the Philippines’ territorial rights over the West Philippine Sea.
Tarriela stressed that all of the Philippines’ actions in the area must adhere to international law and remain non-escalatory.
To safeguard the country’s rights within its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), the PCG will continue conducting air surveillance flights and maritime patrols, he added.
Meanwhile, China has accused the Philippines of provoking tensions and worsening the situation in the West Philippine Sea.
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