PCG Alleges China Coast Guard Neglects Fishing Regulations in WPS

According to Philippines News agency, West Philippine Sea-The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has accused the China Coast Guard (CCG) of neglecting its responsibilities under the Western Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) by failing to properly inspect Chinese fishing vessels in the West Philippine Sea (WPS). According to PCG spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela, CCG vessel 5303, designated by China for inspection duties under the WCPFC, has reportedly not conducted inspections on Chinese maritime militia (CMM) vessels despite their presence at Escoda Shoal in the WPS.

Tarriela criticized the CCG for interacting informally with CMM crew members instead of carrying out formal boarding procedures to ascertain their intentions. He emphasized that the WCPFC mandates inspections to combat illegal, unreported, or unregulated fishing activities, yet the CCG’s actions suggest a lack of enforcement in the region.

Highlighting the broader implications, Tarriela stated that China’s use of state-subsidized maritime militias supports its strategic goals of exerting influence and intimidating neighboring maritime states, including Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines. He asserted that the CCG’s conduct undermines regional stability by legitimizing unlawful activities under the guise of maritime law enforcement.

The PCG’s statement underscores growing tensions in the WPS, where territorial disputes and conflicting maritime claims continue to challenge regional security and compliance with international fisheries regulations.