The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has strongly rejected the Chinese Embassy’s assertion that China has sovereign rights and jurisdiction over waters off Batanes.
The DFA emphasized that the maritime area falls firmly within the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), dismissing any counterclaims regarding authority over the northern territorial waters.
“The Department firmly and strongly rejects the Chinese Embassy’s assertion that China has sovereign rights and jurisdiction in the waters off Batanes,” the DFA said.
The diplomatic agency also said that the Philippines will continue to uphold its sovereign rights and jurisdiction in its EEZ peacefully and responsibly in accordance with international law.