MANILA – Two new diplomatic protests were filed by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) against China on Wednesday due to the “continued deployment, lingering presence, and activities” of the Chinese vessels in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
Some 160 Chinese ships were seen in the WPS particularly in the Kalayaan Island Group, the country’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ), and in Bajo de Masinloc.
The presence of these vessels “blatantly infringe upon Philippine sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction.”
Five more Chinese Coast Guard vessels with bow numbers 3103, 3301, 3305, 5101, and 5203 were spotted within the vicinities of Pag-asa Island, Bajo de Masinloc, and Ayungin Shoal.
“Through these protests, the DFA reminded China that Bajo de Masinloc, Pag-asa Islands, Panata, Parola, Kota Islands, Chigua, and Burgos Reefs are integral parts of the Philippines over which it has sovereignty and jurisdiction. The Philippines exercises sovereign rights and jurisdiction over Julian Felipe Reef and Ayungin Shoal,” the DFA said on Friday.
Despite repeated diplomatic protests filed, Chinese vessels were still spotted in other parts of the country’s territorial waters.
“The continued swarming and threatening presence of the Chinese vessels creates an atmosphere of instability and is a blatant disregard of the commitments by China to promote peace and stability in the region,” the DFA added./PN
