It is quite amusing to watch the Chinese Embassy in Manila lose track of its own script. For years, Beijing has insisted that it holds “indisputable sovereignty” over the entire South China Sea. Now, suddenly, Deputy Spokesperson Guo Wei is saying that there are merely “overlapping claims of EEZ” between our two countries. Which one is it? Did MOFA in Beijing actually clear this new line, or has the embassy simply gotten confused about its own talking points?
On the second point, we are in full agreement: every state enjoys the freedom of navigation in the South China Sea and no country requires another’s “permission” to sail through international waters. That principle, however, is not what is in dispute. What must be underlined is that what China is doing in the West Philippine Sea has nothing to do with lawful patrols or freedom of navigation. From the reclamation and militarization of features within our EEZ, to the water-cannoning and harassment of Filipino fishermen going about their lawful livelihood, to the dangerous and aggressive maneuvers of China Coast Guard and maritime militia vessels against Philippine ships — these are not law enforcement activities. They are illegal acts, and no amount of rebranding will make them lawful.
