DFA thankful of G7 leaders’ support

Inquirer file photo

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) late Monday evening said it appreciates G7 leaders’ opposition to China’s baseless and excessive claims in the South China Sea.

In a statement, DFA said it values the G7’s support in confirming the universal and unified character of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (Unclos).

It added that the Philippine government shares the G7’s vision of a stable and secure Indo-Pacific region, standing firm against any actions that undermine international security and stability.

READ: House members thank G7 for support amid West Philippine Sea tensions

“The Philippines shares this firm, unwavering and principled commitment to Unclos and its processes, as further manifested by its availment of the procedure to register its lawful entitlement to an extended continental shelf in the South China Sea,” said DFA.

READ: G7 hammers China over Russia ties, ‘harmful’ trade

Highly appreciate

“We highly appreciate the G7’s opposition to China’s baseless and excessive claims in the South China Sea. We appreciate the G7’s call for China to cease its illegal activities, particularly its use of coast guard and maritime militia that engage in dangerous maneuvers and the use of water cannons against Philippine vessels,” it added.

G7 leaders on June 15 hammered China for its “dangerous incursions” in the contested South China Sea, noting that military escalation between Beijing and other countries are continuously rising.

“We oppose China’s militarization, and coercive and intimidation activities in the South China Sea,” read the G7 leaders’ statement.

Meanwhile, in the same statement, the DFA once again called on China to cease its aggression in Philippine waters.

Stop provocative behavior, distortion of facts

“The Philippines urges China to stop its provocative behavior and distortion of the facts, including through enactment and enforcement of domestic laws and regulations that overreach into the legally-settled maritime zones of the Philippines in violation of international law,” said DFA.

“We call on China to show sincerity in working together to de-escalate the situation, in the spirit of dialogue and the peaceful settlement of disputes,” it added.

Beijing’s latest aggression in Philippine waters transpired on June 17.

According to National Security Adviser Eduardo Año, China towed a Philippine vessel en route for a resupply mission to the BRP Sierra Madre.

The United States, on the other hand, condemned the incident, saying it caused “bodily injury, damaged Philippine vessels, and hindered lawful maritime operations to supply food, water, and essential supplies to Philippine personnel within the Philippine’s exclusive economic zone.”