By ROY C. MABASA
France has expressed its concern and called for “respect for international law” and diplomatic solution in the South China Sea following China’s latest “dangerous manoeuvers” near Reed Bank, a potential oil and gas-rich feature in the area.
“Following the recent incidents in the South China Sea, we express our concern and call for respect for international law and the resolution of disputes through dialogue,” said France in a statement released by the French Embassy in Manila on Monday, July 10, 2023.
France said it is “resolutely opposed” to any use of force or threat even as it abides by the July 12, 2016 ruling of the United Nations Convention of the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
The Philippines took China to arbitration in 2013 to challenge China’s so-called “nine dash line” claim, a vast body of water where Malaysia, Brunei, Taiwan and Vietnam also have competing claims.
In 2016, Manila won the nod of the Arbitral Tribunal in The Hague and recognized its sovereign rights over the eastern portion of the South China Sea that fall within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) reported on Friday an “alarming” increase in the number of Chinese fishing vessels in Iroquois Reef, south of Reed Bank, which has risen to 47 as of last month.
This finding has substantially increased from 12 chinese fishing vessels in February of this year, according to the AFP.
Military’s surveillance mission showed China has beefed up its presence near Reed Bank which is located within Manila’s 200 nautical-mile EEZ.
Related News:
DFA hands over assistance for OFWs to DMW
