MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Foreign Affairs has filed two diplomatic protests against China, including one for the illegal presence of the Chinese Coast Guard and their “belligerent” actions against the Philippine Coast Guard in Bajo de Masinloc.
The DFA said it has objected to the “shadowing, blocking, dangerous maneuver, and radio challenges” done by the Chinese Coast Guard on the vessels of the Philippine Coast Guard who were conducting legitimate patrols and training exercises in the vicinity of Bajo de Masinloc from April 24 and 25.
The National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea on April 28 reported that three Chinese Coast Guard vessels continue their “illegal presence” in Bajo de Masinloc or the Panatag Shoal off Zambales, one in the municipality of Kalayaan in Palawan, and another one in Ayungin Shoal. A total of five Chinese Coast Guard ships remain in Philippine waters as of last week.
The DFA also kept its promise to fire more protests if Chinese vessels refuse to leave Philippine maritime zones. It filed another one for the “incessant, illegal, prolonged, and increasing presence” of hundreds of Chinese fishing vessels and maritime militia vessels in the country’s maritime zones.
The DFA said two diplomatic protests have been filed against these acts of the China’s Coast Guard, Chinese fishing vessels, and Beijing’s maritime militia. The protests urged China to withdraw its vessels in Philippine waters and respect the country’s sovereignty.
“China has no law enforcement rights in these areas,” the statement said. “The unauthorized and lingering presence of these vessels is a blatant infringement of Philippine sovereignty.”
Earlier Monday, May 3, Sec. Teodoro Locsin Jr. had some strong words to say versus China regarding the country’s sovereignty on the West Philippine Sea. “China, my friend, how politely can I put it? Let me see… O…GET THE F*CK OUT. What are you doing to our friendship?,” he posted on twitter.
“… What is it so hard to understand about Duterte’s UN declaration that the Arbitral Award made all maritime features Philippines; no one else’s?,” he added.
The Philippine government has filed a number of diplomatic protests this month and issued repeated appeals for China to withdraw its vessels. It also earlier protested Beijing’s “illegal” building of artificial islands and structures and aggressive moves within the Philippines’ EEZ.
Last week, DFA said at least 78 diplomatic protests have been filed against China under the Duterte administration.
SOURCE: CNN Philippines