China has dismissed the Philippine government’s protest against its unilateral imposition of a fishing ban over areas that extend to the West Philippine Sea. Beijing declared that the moratorium adheres to international law and is within its sovereign right, according to a GMA News report. At a news conference on Wednesday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said Beijing’s declaration of the ban, which is in effect from May 1 to Aug. 16, is a standard measure to safeguard its resources. Manila, however, said it does not recognize China’s fishing moratorium from that period as it covers waters in areas where the Philippines exercises “sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction.”

Ramirez, R. (2022, June 3). China rejects Phl protest vs fishing ban in SCS. The Philippine Star, p. 3.