Philippines Stands Firm in West Philippine Sea Amid Foreign Threats

The National Maritime Council (NMC) has thrown its full weight behind President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s unwavering commitment to safeguard the Philippines’ sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea (WPS). The council emphasized the nation’s steadfast opposition to any foreign incursions and its dedication to defending its territory in line with international law. This support comes in the wake of President Marcos’s reaffirmation of the country’s determination to protect its rights in the disputed waters, despite the looming presence of China’s so-called ‘monster ship’ near Zambales for over a month. The NMC declared, ‘We stand resolute against any foreign intrusion into our maritime zones and will never cease upholding our rights and honoring our duties under international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the 2016 Arbitral Award.’ The Philippines remains committed to peaceful dispute resolution and diplomatic efforts but will not compromise on protecting its national territory and maritime domain. President Marcos has vowed to maintain a presence in the WPS, undeterred by China’s aggressive actions such as ramming Philippine vessels, deploying water cannons, using lasers, or blocking ships. He stated, ‘We will always be there protecting our territory. We will always be there making sure our fishermen are able to exercise their sovereign rights.’ The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has been vigilantly monitoring the China Coast Guard (CCG) vessel 5901, known as the ‘monster ship’ due to its size, which was first observed 54 nautical miles from Zambales on January 4. Although the PCG has managed to push the Chinese ship further from the Zambales coastline, it still remains within Philippine waters. The WPS is part of the South China Sea, which Beijing claims in its entirety. However, the Philippines secured a significant victory in an international arbitration case against China in 2016, which invalidated China’s expansive claims over the South China Sea—a ruling that Beijing has staunchly ignored.