(VOVWORLD) - The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has filed a diplomatic protest against China’s unilateral imposition of a fishing moratorium in the East Sea (internationally known as the South China Sea).
The DFA reiterated its continued protest of China’s annual practice of declaring a fishing ban over areas that include waters belonging to the exclusive economic zones (EEZ) of the Philippines and Vietnam. The Philippines also complained of harassment and violations of its jurisdiction by Beijing’s coastguard.
In a statement, the foreign ministry accused Chinese vessels of disrupting a joint marine scientific research mission as well as energy exploration activities at two sites in the Philippines’ EEZ.