MANILA — The National Maritime Council (NMC) on Monday, January 12, rejected recent remarks by the Chinese Embassy regarding the situation in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), reaffirming the Philippines’ consistent position on the disputed waters.

The council said tensions in the WPS are the result of China’s “persistent illegal, coercive, aggressive and deceptive (ICAD) activities” within Philippine maritime zones, as recognized under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the 2016 Arbitral Award.

China’s claim that the Philippines “stages provocations” by deploying government vessels or allowing Filipino fishers to operate in the area is “preposterous and completely false,” the NMC said. Filipino fishers are civilians lawfully pursuing their livelihoods, and protecting them is a responsibility of the State, not an act of escalation.

The council emphasized that Philippine operations in the WPS are conducted to ensure maritime safety, provide humanitarian assistance, and enforce the law. “These actions are legitimate, lawful and consistent with international law, particularly UNCLOS and the 2016 Arbitral Award,” it said.

The NMC also condemned Chinese activities in the area, including “dangerous maneuvers, blocking, ramming, intimidation, the use or firing of water cannons against Philippine vessels and Filipino fishers, and dangerously close aerial maneuvers,” which it said put lives at risk, destroy property at sea, and undermine peace and stability in the WPS and the region.

The Philippines called on China to abide by international law to ensure regional stability, while remaining open to constructive dialogue and consultations for peaceful development of the area.