Philippine: China Violates 2002 Non-aggression Pact

The Philippines says China violated a 2002 non-aggression pact when Chinese government ships prevented Filipino authorities from arresting Chinese fishermen who allegedly intruded into a disputed shoal.

Foreign Secretary Albert Del Rosario said Thursday that China’s aggressive actions at the Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea, including an order by its ships for Filipino vessels to leave the area, violated the Declaration of the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea.

The accord, signed between China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, discourages aggressive acts that might spark clashes in the disputed South China Sea.

Del Rosario said Manila would consider any ASEAN offer to intercede to end the shoal dispute, which began April 10, according to AP.