China rule vs West Philippine Sea ‘trespassers’ is ‘roguish’ – Teodoro

FILE PHOTO: China’s anti-trespassing policy is “roguish” and “irresponsible,” according to Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. Teodoro made the remarks in a speech at Philippine Navy headquarters in Manila on Friday, May 24, 2024. INQUIRER / LYN RILLON

MANILA, Philippines — Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. on Friday called “roguish” and “irresponsible” Beijing’s anti-trespassing policy.

Teodoro also considered China’s new rule “provocative” because it encroaches on the West Philippine Sea and disregards the Philippines’ sovereign rights in the western section of the country’s exclusive economic zone, as well as the rights of other claimant countries in the Spratly Islands.

“[It is] roguish and irresponsible [the] threat to detain, quote and unquote, ’trespassers’ in what is claimed as internal waters but is actually part of the high seas and part of the West Philippine Sea,” Teodoro said during a speech at Philippine Navy headquarters in Manila.

READ: Marcos: China’s new rule vs trespassers ‘unacceptable’

“What we do in our exclusive economic zone as to how we defend it can in no way be termed by any sane person as a provocation,” he continued.

China has approved a new policy authorizing its coast guard extensive powers to detain foreigners deemed “illegally crossing its borders” even without trial, according to a South China Morning Post (SCMP) report.

This policy, which SCMP noted “coincides with the arrival at Scarborough (Panatag) Shoal of a group of civilians and fishermen from the Philippines,” will take effect on June 15.