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Filipino Scientists Report Harassment by Chinese Vessels in the West Philippine Sea

- April 24, 2023
Filipino Scientists Report Harassment by Chinese Vessels in the West Philippine Sea
Filipino scientists conducting research in the West Philippine Sea have reported being repeatedly harassed by Chinese vessels, according to a recent report by ABS-CBN News. The scientists were aboard a Philippine government ocean research vessel conducting a marine survey when the Chinese vessels challenged them, shining spotlights on them and using water cannon to douse them with water.

This is not the first incident of Chinese vessels harassing Filipino scientists in the West Philippine Sea. In 2019, Chinese vessels surrounded a Philippine research vessel, preventing it from conducting its research operations.

The harassment of Filipino scientists in the West Philippine Sea is a violation of international law and Philippine sovereignty, as the Philippines has exclusive sovereign rights over the area as declared by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

The Philippine government has yet to release a statement regarding the recent incident, but it is expected to demand an explanation from China and call for an end to such actions that violate Philippine sovereignty.

The harassment of Filipino scientists in the West Philippine Sea highlights the ongoing territorial dispute in the region, with China claiming almost the entire sea while the Philippines and other neighboring countries claim parts of it. The Philippine government’s demand for an explanation and call for an end to such actions is a reaffirmation of its commitment to upholding international law and protecting Philippine sovereignty.

The harassment of Filipino scientists by Chinese vessels in the West Philippine Sea is a violation of international law and Philippine sovereignty. The Philippine government is expected to demand an explanation from China and call for an end to such actions. The incident highlights the ongoing territorial dispute in the region and the Philippines’ commitment to upholding international law and protecting its sovereignty.