DFA warns that new regulation on China Coast Guard violates international law

The Department of Foreign Affairs of the Philippines expresses serious concern about the “new regulation that will allow China’s coast guard to detain in its waters persons deemed to be ‘intruders'”

MANILA, Philippines – On Sunday, May 26, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) warned that China would violate international law if it pushes through its latest coast guard regulation.

In a statement, the DFA expressed “serious concern” about the new regulation, which will allow China’s coast guard to detain people deemed “intruders” in its waters, especially in the context of rising tensions between China and the Philippines.

The regulation was announced on May 15, 2024 and is scheduled to enter into force on June 15, 2024.

“China would be in direct violation of international law if it enforced these new regulations in waters and maritime areas within an illegal, invalid and expansive 10-dash line that would effectively encompass areas of the Western Philippine Sea where the Philippines has sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction or at high seas,” DFA said.

While each state has the right to have its own laws, the Philippine government has reminded China that domestic law cannot be applied in the “territory, maritime zones or jurisdictions of other states, nor infringe the rights and powers of other sovereign states under international law.”

“We reiterate our call on China to respect international law and refrain from any actions that would undermine peace and security in the region,” it said.

China has previously said the new rules only “standardize administrative procedures for law enforcement among Coast Guard agencies and better maintain order at sea” and that they are “consistent with common practices.”

Defense Secretary Gibo Teodoro on Friday, May 24, described China’s new move as a “provocation, adding that its implementation is a “matter of international concern” because it constitutes a “breach of international peace.”

Meanwhile, the National Security Council (NSC) urged Filipino fishermen – who have already suffered harassment and intimidation from both Chinese state agents and vessels – not to fear the new regulation.

NSC spokesman Deputy Director General Jonathan Malaya earlier said Filipino fishermen can continue fishing in the West Philippine Sea if they have “the support of the law and your government.” –Rappler.com