Estrada on China’s infringement claim: Escoda Shoal is within PH’s EEZ

Senate President Pro-Tempore Jinggoy Estrada. (Noy Morcoso/INQUIRER.net)
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is not infringing on China’s territory as the Escoda Shoal where PCG vessel BRP Teresa Magbanua has been stationed is within the Philippine exclusive economic zone (EEZ), Senate President Pro-Tempore Jinggoy Estrada said on Sunday.
“Therefore, there is no reason for us to withdraw our vessel, which was anchored in response to suspected reclamation activities of China,” said Estrada, chairperson of the Senate defense committee.
READ: China protests PH ship’s stay at shoal off Palawan
China has lodged a diplomatic protest against the “illegal anchoring” of the BRP Teresa Magbanua at the Escoda Ahoal, which the Asian Superpower claimed “seriously infringes” its “sovereignty.”
According to Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian, the Escoda shoal, which the Chinese call Xianbin Jiao, is part of China’s Nansha Qundao or the Spratly Islands.
Article continues after this advertisementEstrada said China is the one encroaching within the Philippine EEZ, aiming “to establish full control of the shoal with their own Chinese Coast Guard vessels and maritime militia.”
Article continues after this advertisement“I stand by our troops on this matter. Our sovereign rights over this particular area is non-negotiable, and any attempts to challenge it are baseless,” he said.
“Our claims are backed up by the 2016 arbitral court ruling, which already invalidated China’s nine-dash line claims and upheld our EEZ rights in the West Philippine Sea. We urge China to respect these boundaries and engage in peaceful dialogue to resolve disputes,” he added.
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