The Philippines on Saturday said it is preparing to file a diplomatic protest against China following the latter's announcement that it will soon launch civilian flights to and from the disputed Paracel islands in the South China Sea.

Like Us on Facebook

The Philippine Foreign Affairs Ministry reiterated its earlier calls for China not to undertake "provocative" actions in the disputed international waterway, such as launching civilian flights to the China-controlled Paracel islands. The maritime territory is also being claimed by the Philippines, Vietnam, and Taiwan.

" We reiterate our previous statements on China's unilateral and provocative actions in the South China Sea," said the foreign ministry spokesperson, Charles Jose.

                                                          Incursions        

The Philippines had earlier lashed at  China for its brazen incursions in the South China Sea saying its reclamation activities, sea patrols, military buildups and other activities that encroach into the territorial claims of other countries, violates the Declaration of the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea.

Jose called on China anew last Saturday to desist from conducting provocative activities in the disputed waters and to "not do anything more that would further complicate the situation."

Earlier, the United States, citing China's assertive pursuit of more territories in the international waterway, said Beijing's plans of launching civilian flights in and out of the disputed Paracel islands, would most likely complicate disputes among  the rival claimant countries in the region.

China is laying claim to almost the entirety of the South China Sea through which $5 trillion worth of  ship-borne trade passes each year.

                                                   Restraint

A US Department of State official said launching regular civilian flights to and from the Woody island would be "inconsistent with the region's commitments to exercise restraint from actions that could complicate or escalate disputes."

The official said Beijing should honor its previous commitments to halt all contentious activities in the region (such as its land reclamation and militarization) and instead focus on reaching an agreement on a common set of behaviors in the region.

On Friday, Chinese state media reported that Beijing was planning  to launch regular civilian flights to and from the Woody island in the Chinese-controlled island chain, the Paracels which is being claimed by Taiwan and Vietnam.

                                                  Verdict

Recently, China has deployed surface-to-air missiles to the Woody Island and has allegedly invaded the Jackson atoll in the Spratlys group of islands, preventing Filipino fishermen from making a living in their traditional fishing grounds.

The Philippines is currently awaiting a verdict in the case it filed  against China in regards to the territorial dispute. The case is being heard by a Hague court.

China has said that the court has no jurisdiction over the case and that it will not honor any judgment handed out by the court.

TagsPhilippines, diplomatic protest, regular civilian flights, Woody islands, Paracels, china