PH files note verbale vs China over recent ramming incidents in WPS

The Philippines has filed a note verbale against China over the recent ramming incident in the West Philippine Sea, Unang Balita reported on Thursday, citing the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).

Based on DFA data, the Philippine government has lodged 176 diplomatic protests against China in connection with incidents in the WPS during the administration of President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.

On August 31, the Philippine government reported that a China Coast Guard (CCG) vessel "intentionally" and repeatedly rammed the Philippine Coast Guard's (PCG) BRP Teresa Magbanua in Escoda Shoal.

CCG spokesperson Liu Dejun claimed the Philippine ship "illegally stranded" at the shoal had lifted its anchor and "deliberately rammed" a Chinese vessel. 

On August 19, CCG vessels also had collisions with PCG vessels near Escoda while the latter were on their way to deliver supplies to Patag and Lawak Islands.

On August 25, CCG vessels 25 rammed and used a water cannon on the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources' (BFAR) BRP Datu Sanday near Escoda.

This incident was followed by the blocking of two PCG vessels on a rotation and reprovisioning mission to the BRP Teresa Magbanua by CCG vessels on August 26.

Over three weeks ago, the Philippines also filed a diplomatic protest against China after Beijing's air force performed dangerous actions in Bajo de Masinloc or Scarborough Shoal.

Tensions continue amid China’s massive claim in the South China Sea (SCS), including the portion the Philippines refers to as the West Philippine Sea.

The SCS is a conduit for more than $3 trillion in annual ship commerce. Aside from the Philippines, China has overlapping claims in the area with Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Brunei.

In 2016, an international arbitration tribunal in Hague ruled in favor of the Philippines over China's claims in the South China Sea, saying that it had "no legal basis."

China has not recognized the decision. —Joviland Rita/KBK, GMA Integrated News