The Philippines has called for an end to advertising CCG enforcement laws

Illustration: Liu Rui/GT

As the Philippines continues to publicize the China Coast Guard’s (CCG) enforcement provisions ahead of the Shangri-La Dialogue, experts have noted that the country’s baseless accusations constitute an attempt to mislead the international community.

They also said that the Philippines’ frequent provocations are not consistent with the common interests of regional countries in maintaining peace and stability in the South China Sea.

According to Reuters, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr said on Wednesday that China’s latest regulations on administrative procedures for coast guard authorities, which are scheduled to come into force on June 15, could result in the “detention of foreigners” in the South China Sea and were escalatory and “troubling”.

Mao Ning, a spokesman for China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on Wednesday dismissed Marcos’ unlawful remarks, noting that the CCG introduced regulations to standardize administrative law enforcement procedures among Coast Guard agencies and better maintain order at sea. “This is consistent with common practices. Individuals and entities have no reason to worry as long as they have not done anything illegal,” Mao said at a regular news conference.

Chen Xiangmiao, director of the Center for Global Naval Research at the National Institute of South China Sea Studies, told the Global Times on Thursday that the CCG regulations are intended to regulate maritime law enforcement activities in China’s sovereign waters of jurisdiction and are not aimed at any specific purpose. country.

“The law on enforcement procedures is based on international law and China’s domestic law and applies uniformly to all ships and personnel, including ships from China,” Chen said, noting that the Philippines’ accusations are baseless and baseless.

Xu Liping, director of the Center for Southeast Asian Studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, told the Global Times on Thursday that the new laws are a manifestation of normal law enforcement and rights protection in China. “China’s regulation of maritime law enforcement activities in line with relevant international laws demonstrates the country’s commitment to maintaining its reputation,” Xu said.

Marcos’ anthem on CCG regulations comes after the Philippines’ Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement on Monday protesting China’s imposition of an annual fishing ban in the South China Sea, saying it “raises tensions” in the South China Sea, despite the fact that Chinese authorities This policy has been widely recognized for its ecological, economic and social benefits as an important way to protect marine fisheries resources in waters around China.

Experts reached by Global Times noted that the recent buzz around the South China Sea issue, created by the Philippines ahead of the 21st Shangri-La IISS Dialogue, is intended to create hype and thus help the country turn the upcoming conference into a meeting place promoting their illegal claims.

“By stoking China’s recent regulation, the Philippines is actually using it to draw international attention to China’s actions in the South China Sea and is trying to portray China’s legitimate actions as a challenge to the Philippines,” Chen said. Given that the Philippine president will deliver the keynote address on Friday to mark the opening of the Shangri-La Dialogue, Chen predicted that Marcos will continue to mention the issue and try to deceive the international community for sympathy.

Echoing Chen’s words, Xu noted that the Philippines has consistently tried to portray itself as a victim of Chinese bullying in the South China Sea. But in fact, the country is actually asserting its illegal rights and claims in the region.

Analysts say the recent spate of bluster and harsh rhetoric from the Philippines will only serve to exacerbate existing disputes between Beijing and Manila, increase regional security tensions and draw more international attention to the South China Sea issue.

“Peace and stability in the South China Sea are the common denominator of countries in the region, and the Philippines’ frequent provocations undoubtedly undermine this common denominator, seriously disregarding the collective interests of the region,” Xu said.

Analysts say the Philippine side should honor its commitments, stop provoking and truly return to the right path of resolving disputes through dialogue and consultations with China. China will also continue to clarify the facts and resolutely defend its national maritime sovereignty and maritime interests, they said.