Philippines protests Chinese incursion in Sulu Sea

The Department of Foreign Affairs has summoned China's top diplomat to Manila to protest the Chinese Navy's incursion in the Sulu Sea earlier this year.

The DFA, through acting Undersecretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro, lodged Manila's diplomatic protest, saying the passage of China's navy ship in Philippine waters is illegal and violated the country's sovereign rights.

"From 29 January to 01 February 2022, a PLAN Electronic Reconnaissance Ship (Dongdiao-class)[1]  with bow number 792 entered Philippine waters without permission, reaching the waters of Palawan’s Cuyo Group of Islands and Apo Island in Mindoro," the DFA statement said.

Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian received the note verbale.

Philippine Navy vessel BRP Antonio Luna (FF-151) challenged PLAN 792, which alleged that it was exercising innocent passage.

The DFA said the Chinese vessel's  movements, "did not follow a track that can be considered as continuous and expeditious, lingering in the Sulu Sea for three days."

It added that PLAN 792 continued its activities in Philippine waters despite being repeatedly directed by the BRP Antonio Luna to leave Philippine waters immediately.

"As a country that abides by its international commitments, the Philippines recognizes the right of innocent passage in accordance with Article 52 of the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). However, the actions of PLAN 792 did not constitute innocent passage and violated Philippine sovereignty," the DFA said.

Lazaro demanded that China respect Philippine territory and maritime jurisdiction, and to comply with its obligations under international law, particularly UNCLOS.

She also told the Chinese envoy that Chinese vessels  must "desist from entering Philippine waters uninvited and without permission." — BM, GMA News