Philippine Coast Guard challenges China's claim over Batanes waters

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China is expanding its claim over more of the Philippines’ maritime territory, including waters around Batanes, according to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).

A "24 Oras" report from Chino Gaston on Tuesday said the BRP Sierra Madre warded off a Chinese Coast Guard vessel 25 nautical miles away from Cabra Island in Mindoro.

The BRP Sierra Madre then headed to Batanes, where the Chinese Research Vessel Jia Hai Ke 7 is operating 38 nautical miles away from Itbayat Island. The Chinese Embassy said that this area was under the jurisdiction of Beijing.

"The relevant Chinese vessel is operating within waters under China’s jurisdiction. China and the Philippines have overlapping maritime claims in the relevant waters. In accordance with the provisions of Articles 74 and 83 of UNCLOS, as well as the consensus reached between China and the Philippines, such issues should be properly resolved through negotiations," said a statement from the Chinese embassy.

In response, PCG spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Rear Admiral Jay Tarriela said in a mix of English and Filipino, “This is the first time that they are confirming and claiming that they have legal jurisdiction in the seas of Batanes. They responded to my post saying that this is in adherence with UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea) and falls within their own sovereign rights.”

The PCG viewed the waters of Itbayat as critical because this is where the undersea cables from mainland Asia connect into the Philippines’ communications infrastructure.

In another part of the country, the PCG also had to ward off Chinese vessels in the waters of Kota Island, which is part of the Kalayaan Island Group.

PCG personnel had to chase away Chinese fishing vessels after a few of them approached the island within 30 yards. Despite the PCG’s radio challenges, the Chinese fishing boat would not leave.

When the PCG approached them one by one, the Chinese vessels retreated into their mother ship.

The PCG suspected that this was not a mere fishing trip.

“It could also be a possibility to survey what are the activities in Kota Island, to document the personnel staying sa Kota Island these…Hindi sila naglay ng net, hindi naman sila nagbaksak ng mga fishing gear, it was just intentionally designed na paikutan ang kabuuan ng Kota Island,” Tarriela said.

(It could also be a possibility to survey what the activities are in Kota Island, to document the personnel staying in Kota Island these… they did not lay down nets, they did not drop fishing gear, it was just intentionally designed to rotate around the entirety of Kota Island.)

Under UNCLOS, Kota Island is treated as a rock that created its own 12 nautical mile territorial sea. While foreigners are allowed to pass through territorial waters, they are not allowed to fish or do scientific research without permission. —Jean Mangaluz/LDF, GMA News