THE Department of National Defense (DND) on Tuesday denounced the “dangerous and inhumane” actions of the Chinese maritime forces against Filipino fishermen in the vicinity of Escoda (Sabina) Shoal over the weekend.

The DND reiterated that China’s claims of indisputable sovereignty over the feature are illegal and unfounded as “neither an international tribunal nor international law-abiding state has ever recognized Chinese sovereignty over the Escoda Shoal.”

According to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), the Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) and Chinese maritime militia (CMM) ships attacked the Filipino boats with water cannons and used dangerous blocking maneuvers near Escoda Shoal, a water feature well within the Philippine exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

“Water cannoning, aggressive maneuvering, and the cutting of anchor lines resulting in physical injuries of Filipino civilians are wholly inconsistent with the duty of all nations to ensure the safety of human lives,” Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said.

The DND reiterated that maritime entitlements in the area are governed by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (Unclos) and that the 2016 Arbitral Award is final and binding.

“Claims and actions that disregard these legal principles undermine the rules-based international order and erode regional peace and stability,” Teodoro said.

China’s recent aggressiveness has earned condemnation from close defense partners of the Philippines, including the US, Japan, Australia, and Canada.

Despite drawing criticisms, China’ Foreign Affairs Ministry Spokesman Guo Jiakun still stood ground that they have “indisputable sovereignty over Nansha Qundao (Spratly Islands), which include Xianbin Jiao, and their adjacent waters.”

In an interview, Jiakun accused the Philippines of having taken organized and orchestrated moves of sending large numbers of ships to provoke tensions in the waters off Xianbin Jiao (Sabina Shoal) infringing upon China’s sovereignty, rights and interest violating international law and sabotaging maritime peace and stability.

“It is legitimate, lawful, and professional, restrained and beyond reproach for China to do what is necessary to safeguard our territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests. The Philippines needs to immediately stop its infringement, provocations and vilification, stop its endless self-directed stunts at sea, and refrain from challenging China’s firm resolve to safeguard our sovereignty and rights and interests,” Jiakun said.

Teodoro slammed Jiakun’s remarks, saying states aspiring for regional leadership “should act responsibly.”

“The attempt by the spokesperson of China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs to justify these actions by invoking ‘indisputable sovereignty’ and peddling blatant lies like “knife-wielding” fishermen are not supported by facts and evidence. We call on China to stop spreading false narratives and engaging in state orchestrated disinformation campaigns,” Teodoro said.