Beijing has ignored Manila’s protest against its unilateral fishing ban in the South China Sea, including areas that are within the exclusivr economic zone of the Philippines. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian insisted imposing the ban was within its sovereign right. “The summer fishing moratorium in the South China Sea adopted by China is a normal measure of protecting marine biological resources in waters under China’s jurisdiction, and a manifestation of fulfilling obligations under international law including UNCLOS by the Chinese side,” he said.

China rejects PH protest on fishing ban in WPS. (2022, June 3). Manila Standard, pp. A1, A2.