DND chief upbraids China over fishing law

From the Daily Tribune (Jan 17): DND chief upbraids China over fishing law

Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin yesterday took a more strident tone against China’s new fishing policy in the disputed South China Sea or West Philippine Sea, criticizing Beijing for imposing its projected superpower stature on small countries like the Philippines.

Under the new China policy, foreign fishing vessels must seek permission from Chinese authorities before they could venture in the disputed territory which is a traditional rich fishing ground for fishermen from various countries around the region.

“We will not follow their rules in our own territory. Why should we seek permission from another country when they do not own our fishing grounds, it’s ours,” he stressed.

Chinese latest aggressive move in the South China Sea has drawn attention from some United States lawmakers who called for sanctions against China.

Prior to the new fishing policy, China also implemented its Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) over East China Sea where it has a standing dispute with Japan over Senkaku Island.

The ADIZ was met with criticisms by the US, South Korea, Japan and Australia, which responded by sending aircraft within the zone.

Gazmin expressed support to the US move.

“There is really a need to show strength because China has been very aggressive lately. It started with ADIZ, then these fishing laws. Somebody has to say, ‘Hey, slow down,’ and no one can do that except a superpower,” he said.

“China is projecting that it is a superpower but it is applying its being a superpower to small countries like us that have no chance fighting militarily. So, we need somebody or a big county to say ‘that should not be done,’” Gazmin added.

The Defense chief said the DND, through the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), is ready to provide escort, if necessary, to Filipino fishermen who would venture into the fishing ground.

“If necessary,” replied Gazmin when asked if the government is ready to escort Filipino fishermen, adding “as of now, we are seeking clarification regarding their (China) rules.”

Earlier, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said the new Chinese policy extends up to Philippine territory.

The DFA added Filipinos should ignore the new Chinese fishing law in the disputed sea.

Tension between the Philippines and China over the West Philippine Sea has been high during the past years as Beijing increased its activities in the region. Chinese vessels, both military and civilians, have become common sights in areas occupied by the Philippines like the Ayungin Shoal in Palawan.

The Chinese have not left Panatag Shoal off Masinloc town in Zambales since 2012.
The DND, however, has started building up the capability of the AFP since 2011 following alarming number of incursions into Philippine territories by Chinese ships in the disputed area.

But it stressed the ongoing modernization and capability upgrade of the AFP is not intended to any particular country, including China.

Meanwhile, the DND will be putting up Air Force facilities in Tawi-Tawi and Palawan to protect the Malampaya gas project, the Reed Bank and the future Sulu oil rig from “harassment.”

“The plan is to upgrade the capability requirements of the PAF and improve the operational effectiveness by constructing hangars and facilities as support systems to sustain search and rescue operations of the PAF and support the maritime security and protection of the Malampaya natugal gas-to-power project, Reed Bank and the future Sulu oil rig,” the DND stated.

The Reed Bank, which is among the islands and reefs being claimed by China in the South China Sea, is venue to the ongoing oil exploration project sanctioned by the Department of Energy (DoE).

At the Sulu Sea, there is also an ongoing exploration project sanctioned by the Philippine government while Malampaya, which also lies in the disputed sea, has been in full operation for several years now.

http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/dnd-chief-upbraids-china-over-fishing-law