Linking Shores: Defending non-disputed waters and West Philippine Sea claims

Nine years after the Arbitral Tribunal’s ruling in its favor, the Philippines continues to face Chinese harassment in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) and, without an international enforcement mechanism, must act to protect its maritime boundaries.

- ALMA MARIA O. SALVADOR

Under President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr., the Philippine government has continued to strengthen maritime security institutions to protect waters within our maritime zone. The Maritime Zones Act defines our entitlements and sovereign rights or jurisdiction over our maritime zone, including the territorial seas, contiguous zone, 200-mile Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), and the waters surrounding, within, and adjacent to the Kalayaan Island Group and Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal). This institution plays a crucial role in operationalizing the arbitral ruling in the South China Sea, providing a concrete mechanism to safeguard our EEZ.

The EEZ, a vast body of water with significant economic value, must be safeguarded from threats, including China’s continued reclamation within the Philippine EEZ over the years. China’s provocative actions — such as ramming a Philippine naval vessel on a resupply mission to the grounded BRP Sierra Madre at Ayungin Shoal in the WPS, 124 miles from Palawan, and a symbol of the nation’s sovereign claims — highlight the serious challenges confronting Philippine maritime law enforcement and security.

This year, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) also reported the presence of two Chinese research vessels operating within the EEZ without the consent of the Philippine government.