The Philippines is adopting a non-confrontational approach in response to the presence of Chinese vessels in the West Philippine Sea, according to the National Maritime Council (NMC). The government is closely monitoring these vessels and is preparing a report for the Department of Foreign Affairs to support another diplomatic protest against Beijing.
NMC spokesperson Alexander Lopez emphasized that the Philippines aims to uphold its jurisdiction and sovereign rights without escalating tensions. Instead of physical confrontations, the country plans to address environmental degradation caused by Chinese activities in the area. This strategy includes potentially filing an environmental complaint against China with the United Nations, focusing on the ecological damage rather than engaging in direct conflict.
The presence of Chinese vessels has reached a record high, with 251 ships spotted, including warships and maritime militia vessels concentrated around Ayungin and Escoda Shoals. The Philippine Navy and other government agencies are working to assert the country’s rights while maintaining regional stability. The Philippines’ allies support this approach, seeking to avoid conflict while addressing environmental concerns in the West Philippine Sea.
