19 October 2026 | Manila, Philippines
The National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS) condemns the recurring unlawful activities of Chinese vessels in Philippine maritime zones, including unauthorized fishing and reported waste dumping within the territorial sea of Kota Island, unauthorized fishing operations near Lawak Island, suspected marine scientific research without Philippine consent off Batanes, and dangerous maneuvers and interference with lawful and routine Philippine maritime activities.
These actions threaten the safety of Filipino personnel, undermine the livelihoods of Filipino fisherfolk, and interfere with the Philippines’ lawful exercise of its maritime rights. Their recurrence demands an end to conduct that disregards international law and puts regional stability at risk.
Under the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the Philippines exercises sovereignty over its territory and territorial sea, and sovereign rights and jurisdiction over its exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and continental shelf. Unauthorized fishing within Philippine territorial waters and the exploitation of resources in our EEZ without proper authorization violate the Philippine laws and maritime rights. Marine scientific research in the EEZ and continental shelf requires the consent of the Philippines as the coastal State. Dangerous maneuvers and interference with lawful maritime activities must likewise be assessed against applicable international obligations. The 2016 Arbitral Award rejected the legal basis for China’s expansive maritime claims insofar as they exceed the limits established by UNCLOS.
China’s continued assertions cannot override the Convention or erase the legal effect of the Arbitral Award. Repeated deployments and unilateral claims cannot create maritime entitlements that international law does not recognize, nor can they diminish the rights that belong to the Filipino people.
