Phl files diplomatic protest vs China's Panatag baseline declarations

The Philippines filed yesterday a diplomatic protest over China's baseline declarations around Panatag or Scarborough Shoal after the Philippines' enactment of the Maritime Zones Act.

-  PIA LEE-BRAGO

Beijing responded to the Philippines' approval of two laws defining its sea lanes and maritime zones on Sunday by releasing baselines and base points of the territorial sea around Panatag, also called Bajo de Masinloc, which is within the Philippines' 200-nautical-mile exclusive economic zone (EEZ), but claimed by Beijing as its territory.

The National Maritime Council said yesterday it objected to China's establishment of baselines around Bajo de Masinloc which contravenes the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the final and legally-binding 2016 Arbitral Award.

The Philippines said it is a continuation of China's 2012 illegal seizure of the shoal, which Manila continues to strongly oppose.

As of yesterday, the Philippines has filed 56 diplomatic protests against China.

President Marcos has shrugged off China's criticism of the Philippines' enactment of two laws that clearly define the country's maritime boundaries and designated sea lanes, saying Beijing's comments were no longer surprising.

Marcos said the Philippine Maritime Zones Act "serves its purpose" in reinforcing the country's entitlement and jurisdiction over its waters.