DFA Aware of US FoN Ops Near Scarborough Shoal
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The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) of the Philippines has confirmed its awareness of recent Freedom of Navigation Operations (FONOPs) conducted by the United States Navy near Bajo de Masinloc, internationally known as Scarborough Shoal. This comes against a backdrop of escalating tensions in the West Philippine Sea, following recent risky maneuvers by Chinese vessels against Philippine ships in the area.
Philippine Stance on FONOPs and international Law
The DFA, through spokesperson Angelica Escalona, stated that the Philippines recognizes the rights of nations too freedom of navigation, even within its waters, as guaranteed by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
“the DFA is aware of the FONOPs conducted by US warships in the vicinity waters of Bajo de Masinloc, which is a longstanding and integral part of Philippine territory,” Escalona affirmed. “UNCLOS provides certain rights and freedoms of transit – such as innocent passage, freedom of navigation and archipelagic sea lanes passage – in the Philippines’ archipelagic waters, territorial sea and exclusive economic zone.”
Crucially, the Philippines does not require notification for foreign vessels exercising these established freedoms, aligning with international law as defined by UNCLOS. This position underscores the Philippines’ commitment to upholding international maritime norms while asserting its sovereignty over Bajo de Masinloc, located less than 200 nautical miles from Zambales province.
The philippine Coast guard (PCG) reported observing USS Higgins (DDG-76) and USS Cincinnati (LCS 20) approximately 102 nautical miles off Zambales on Wednesday. PCG spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, Commodore Jay Tarriela, confirmed the US warships were conducting FONOPs near Bajo de Masinloc, exercising navigational rights and freedoms consistent with international law.
These operations are part of a broader US initiative to challenge what it deems excessive maritime claims and to preserve navigation, overflight, and othre rights guaranteed to all nations under international law.
The timing of these FONOPs is particularly notable, following a recent collision involving Chinese ships near Bajo de Masinloc on August 11th. The incident involved dangerous maneuvers by Chinese vessels against Filipino boats, prompting a strong response from the United States. US Ambassador to the Philippines, MaryKay Carlson, publicly condemned the chinese actions as “reckless.”
FONOPs are not new. The US Navy regularly conducts these operations globally to demonstrate that it does not recognize unlawful claims of restriction on navigation rights. Thay are a key component of maintaining open sea lanes and upholding the principles of international law.
While often viewed as a challenge to specific nations, the US maintains that FONOPs are conducted against actions, not countries. The goal is to preserve the rights of all nations to navigate freely in international waters.
Implications for Regional Stability
The increased US naval presence and the continued assertion of Philippine sovereignty over Bajo de Masinloc are likely to further complicate relations with China. The incident on August 11th highlighted the potential for escalation in the West Philippine Sea,and the DFA’s acknowledgement of the FONOPs signals a continued commitment to upholding international law and protecting Philippine interests in the region.
The situation demands careful diplomacy and a continued commitment to peaceful resolution of disputes, guided by the principles of UNCLOS. The Philippines continues to navigate a complex geopolitical landscape, balancing its relationships with both the United States and China while safeguarding its sovereign rights.
(PNA)