WPS composite image from Inquirer file, AFP and Reuters photo
MANILA, Philippines — China’s drawing of baselines around Bajo de Masinloc merits more than filing a diplomatic protest and summoning of Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian, said Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada.
In a statement on Thursday, the Senate’s second top official said the Philippine government should consult international bodies in response to China’s recent efforts to reinforce its claim over the West Philippine Sea.
“I urge our government, the Department of Foreign Affairs, and the Office of the Solicitor General to seriously consider the possibility of bringing this matter before the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague or even to the United Nations,” said Estrada who also heads the chamber’s panel on national defense and security, peace, unification and reconciliation.
“Let’s disseminate to these international bodies our new maritime law for their reference and let’s formally bring to their attention the recent action of China,” he added.
READ: PH summons Chinese envoy to protest Bajo de Masinloc baselines
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The Department of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday said it summoned Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian to deliver the Philippines’ protest over China’s drawing of baselines around Bajo de Masinloc on November 10.
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Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Teresita Daza earlier emphasized that the said baselines infringe upon Philippine sovereignty and contravene international law, particularly the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea and the 2016 Arbitral Award.
“The said baselines have no legal basis and are not binding on the Philippines,” said Daza then.
READ: PH wins arbitration case over South China Sea
China’s drawing of baselines came after the Philippines’ passage of maritime and archipelagic sea lanes law. Its continued aggression in Philippine waters is borne out of a sweeping claim over most of the South China Sea, including the West Philippine Sea.
It, however, has long been dismissed by an arbitral tribunal.
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