Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 3) — The United States backed the Philippines in criticizing a unilateral seasonal fishing ban declared by China in parts of the West Philippine Sea.

The PRCs unilateral fishing moratorium in the South China Sea is inconsistent with the 2016 Arbitral Tribunal ruling and international law as reflected in #UNCLOS, US State Department spokesperson Ned Price said in a tweet on Friday

We call upon the PRC to abide by its obligations under international law, he added.

He also included the Philippines statement that the Department of Foreign Affairs has filed a diplomatic protest for the unilateral imposition of the 3.5-month fishing ban, which covers areas in the West Philippine Sea over which the Philippines has sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction.

The DFA on May 31 reiterated its continuing protest over Chinas annual practice of declaring a fishing ban over areas that extend far beyond its legitimate maritime entitlements under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

It also reaffirmed the 2016 arbitral ruling that invalidated Beijings sweeping claims to the waters — a landmark decision which the Asian giant continues to ignore.

China on Thursday rejected the Philippines protest, saying it will not accept the unwarranted accusation of the government.