Manila, Philippines | January 12, 2026
The National Maritime Council (NMC) reaffirms the Philippines’ consistent and principled position on the developments in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
Tensions in the WPS are the direct result of China’s persistent illegal, coercive, aggressive and deceptive (ICAD) activities within the maritime zones of the Philippines as provided by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and affirmed by the 2016 Arbitral Award.
China’s claim that the Philippines “stages provocations” by deploying government vessels or allowing Filipino fisherfolk to operate in these waters is preposterous and completely false. Filipino fishers are civilians lawfully pursuing their livelihoods within the Philippines’ maritime zones. Protecting them is a responsibility of the State, not an act of escalation.
Philippine operations in the WPS are conducted solely to ensure maritime safety, provide humanitarian assistance, and enforce the law. These actions are legitimate, lawful and consistent with international law, particularly UNCLOS and the 2016 Arbitral Award. The ICAD activities of Chinese vessels or aircraft, such as dangerous maneuvers, blocking, ramming, intimidation, the use or firing of water cannons against Philippine vessels and Filipino fishers, and dangerously close aerial maneuvers place lives at risk, unnecessarily destroy property at sea, and undermine peace and stability in the WPS and the region.
We call on China to abide by international law, particularly UNCLOS and the 2016 Arbitral Award, to ensure stability in the region. The Philippines remains open to constructive dialogue and consultations for the peaceful development of the region in accordance with international law.
