Manila: China has no right to demand the removal of the BRP Sierra Madre (LS-57) in Ayungin Shoal at the West Philippine Sea, Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. stated on Wednesday. He emphasized that such demands from China are beyond their jurisdiction and any form of intervention under international law. Teodoro made these remarks during a press briefing on the second day of the ASEAN Ministerial Conference on Disaster Resilience at Conrad Hotel in Pasay City.

According to Philippines News Agency, Teodoro's statement came in response to China's recent calls for the removal of the BRP Sierra Madre. China has accused the Philippines of attempting to carry out large-scale repairs and reinforcement of the naval vessel to establish a permanent presence on the shoal. However, Teodoro dismissed these accusations, asserting that China has no grounds to comment on the Philippines' actions.

Teodoro further highlighted that the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has consistently rejected China's claims. He referred to China's narrative, including their nine-dash line claim, as unrecognized by the world and not worth giving importance to. He stressed that the Philippines should continue to operate within the rights and jurisdiction provided by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and international law.

Additionally, Teodoro criticized China's actions that violate UNCLOS, emphasizing that they cannot disregard the convention by operating outside its framework.