China will never stop harassing Filipino fisherfolk regardless if they followed China’s annual unilateral fishing ban in the South China Sea, according to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG). “Internationally, they would make it appear as if they support Filipino fishermen by lifting the fishing ban. But in reality, large China Coast Guard (CCG) vessels maintain their presence and Chinese maritime militia vessels continue to swarm maritime features in the West Philippine Sea,” PCG spokesman Commodore Jay Tarriela told radio dzRH on Aug. 19. Beijing had claimed that the annual fishing ban, unilaterally enforced May 1 to Aug. 15, is meant to promote sustainable fishing and improve marine ecology.

Ong, G. (2023, August 21). Pinoy fishermen harassed 'with or without China fishing ban'. The Philippine Star, p. 2.