MANILA, Philippines — While Hanoi already expressed opposition against Beijing's unilateral fishing moratorium in the South China Sea, Manila refuses to comment on the matter. Asked if China's fishing ban violates Philippine sovereignty, the Malacañang spokesman refused to give a categorical answer. Vietnam condemned the South China Sea fishing ban as it violates Hanoi's sovereignty over the Paracel Islands. "Vietnam opposes and resolutely rejects China's unilateral fishing ban decision," Vietnamese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Le Thi Thu Hang earlier said. Washington-based think tank Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative (AMTI) released satellite imagery showing that China's most destructive boats have returned to the disputed South China Sea.

Source: Philippine Star May 21, 2019 08:48 UTC