The Philippines denounced China’s unilateral fishing moratorium in the South China Sea under China’s new Coast Guard Law that can curtail and put at risk the legitimate rights of Filipino fishermen to fish in Philippine territorial waters and exclusive economic zone (EEZ). This will be China’s first fishing ban, which began May 1 and runs through Aug. 16, since passing its new Coast Guard Law, which granted the China Coast Guard more freedom to use force in defense of maritime claims. The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said the Philippines does not recognize China’s annual and unilateral fishing ban that violated Philippine sovereignty, in contravention of international law.

Lee-Brago, P., Villanueva, R., & Cervantes, D. (2021, May 20). Phl slams China unilateral fishing ban in SCS. The Philippine Star, p. 2.