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Chinese vessels still spotted in West Philippine Sea task force By JOVILAND RITA, GMA News
Published April 28, 2021 10:23am
File photo The National Task Force West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS) on Wednesday said it still spotted some Chinese vessels in the West Philippine Sea despite the country’s diplomatic protests against their presence in the territory. In a statement, NTF-WPS said Area Task Forces spotted three Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) vessels in Bajo de Masinloc (BdM), a CCG vessel in Municipality of Kalayaan, and another one in Ayungin Shoal. “These incursions are under review for the possible filing of appropriate diplomatic actions,” the NTF WPS said.
Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi, right, and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi conclude a joint news conference held in November 2020 in Tokyo. (Pool)
Strong concerns about China’s expanding military capability and maritime advances were included in the Diplomatic Bluebook released by the Foreign Ministry on April 27.
The annual foreign policy document is a record of Japan’s diplomatic efforts and a description of the current international situation.
The latest bluebook, covering mainly 2020, preserved wording regarding China from last year’s version, calling the neighboring nation “one of Japan s most important bilateral relationships.”
But touching on China s aggressive maritime advances, the bluebook also stated, “there are strong concerns related to security for the region, including Japan, and the international community.”
SunStar
File April 28, 2021 CHINA’S Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin has asserted claims over the Spratly Islands in the South China Sea and asked the Philippines to “stop actions complicating the situation and escalating disputes.”
Wenbin was asked on Monday, April 26, 2021, to comment on the exercises being conducted by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) in the area, which falls within the West Philippine Sea (WPS) and the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
“China enjoys sovereignty over Nansha (Spratly) Islands including Zhongye Island and Zhongsha Islands, including Huangyan Island and their adjacent waters, and exercises jurisdiction in relevant waters. We urge the relevant side to respect China s sovereignty and rights and interests, and stop actions complicating the situation and escalating disputes.
Hits and misses for a legal tool to protect the environment in Philippines
by Purple Romero on 28 April 2021
In 2010, the Philippines’ Supreme Court set the provisions for what it calls the “Writ of Kalikasan,” a landmark legal remedy that compels the government to act and halt environmental degradation that impacts more than one municipality.
More than a decade since it was first defined and used in court, the writ has been invoked for various cases, from closing open dumpsites and illegal landfills, to prompting the government to protect important bodies of water like the rehabilitation of Manila Bay.
While many petitions have been approved this way, the rulings haven’t always been implemented by local governments.