China to PH: No need to worry over new SCS detention policy

China assures PH: No need to worry over new SCS detention policy

/ 08:54 AM May 30, 2024

Mao Ning

China’s Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning attends a press conference at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Beijing on January 15, 2024. FILE PHOTO/Agence France-Presse

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines need not fret about China’s new regulations in the South China Sea as long as no “illicit” acts will be committed, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning said.

In a regular press conference on Wednesday, Mao insisted that the regulations rolled out by China Coast Guard, which is set to take effect on June 15, aim to “standardize the administrative law-enforcement procedures and better uphold order at sea.”

ADVERTISEMENT

The new regulation in question is CCG’s duty to detain, without trial, foreigners deemed “illegally crossing” what China considers as its borders.

FEATURED STORIES

READ: China empowers self to detain South China Sea ‘trespassers’

“It is consistent with universal practices. Individuals and entities have no need for concern as long as they have not done anything illicit,” said Mao, responding to a media query about Philippine concerns on their new policy.

“Let me stress that it is the Philippines, not China, that has escalated the situation and made repeated provocations in the South China Sea. China’s door of dialogue and communication with the Philippines remains open, but it’s important to note that dialogue requires sincerity and whatever is agreed in dialogue must be acted upon, rather than talking about the need for dialogue while continuing to make provocations,” she added.

Mao’s remarks came after President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. accused Beijing of escalating tensions in the South China Sea, branding its new policy as “very worrisome.”

The Philippine government, through the Department of Foreign Affairs, earlier axed the new rule, calling it “unacceptable” as it “has no legal basis.”

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our daily newsletter

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

For comprehensive coverage, in-depth analysis, and the latest updates on the West Philippine Sea issue, visit our special site here. Stay informed with articles, videos, and expert opinions.

TAGS: South China Sea, West Philippine Sea

© Copyright 1997-2024 INQUIRER.net | All Rights Reserved

We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. By continuing, you are agreeing to our use of cookies. To find out more, please click this link.