Manila: The New Zealand Embassy in Manila has expressed serious concern over the recent incident involving the Chinese Coast Guard and vessels of the Philippine Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) in the West Philippine Sea (WPS). In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday, New Zealand's government highlighted its alarm over reports of water cannon use and direct vessel contact by the Chinese Coast Guard, actions that were deemed dangerous.
According to Philippines News Agency, the statement from New Zealand warned that such acts "endanger lives at sea and risk increasing tensions," urging for a peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). This international treaty outlines nations' rights and responsibilities in maritime zones and is considered a critical framework for resolving maritime disputes.
New Zealand's stance aligns it with other nations, including the United States, Japan, and Australia, who have recently expressed their support for the Philippines amidst the escalating tensions in the South China Sea. The Philippine government had earlier condemned Beijing's "aggressive and illegal" actions, including the use of water cannons that caused damage to Philippine government vessels and endangered Filipino crew members.
On Sunday, Angelica Escalona, spokesperson for the Department of Foreign Affairs, stated that Manila would file a protest against Beijing over its ship's "deliberate ramming" of the BFAR vessel in the territorial sea of Pag-asa. This move is part of broader efforts to address what the Philippines perceives as aggressive actions by China in disputed waters.
New Zealand's call for adherence to the 2016 Arbitral Ruling, which invalidated China's expansive claims over most of the South China Sea, reinforces growing international support for the Philippines. Observers have warned that any miscalculation in the contested waters could have significant regional security implications, emphasizing the importance of restraint and dialogue among all involved parties.
