DFA says two new protests filed vs China

Two new diplomatic protests lodged vs China

MANILA – The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) today said they lodged two diplomatic notes last Wednesday, April 21 in protest of the “continued deployment, lingering presence, and activities of Chinese vessels in Philippine maritime zones.”

“The presence of these vessels blatantly infringe upon Philippine sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction,” the statement said.

It was learned the new diplomatic protests were in addition to the daily protests being filed by the DFA against the continuing presence of Chinese vessels in Julian Felipe Reef.

According to the DFA statement, last Tuesday, Philippine maritime law enforcement agencies noted the continued unauthorized presence and activities of one hundred sixty (160) Chinese Fishing Vessels and Chinese Maritime Militia Vessels in Philippine waters. They were seen within the territorial sea of high tide features in the Kalayaan Island Group, in the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), and in and around the territorial waters of Bajo de Masinloc. Five Chinese Coast Guard vessels with bow numbers 3103, 3301, 3305, 5101, and 5203 were seen deployed within the vicinities of the Pag-asa Islands, Bajo de Masinloc and Ayungin Shoal. (Melo M. Acuña)