PHL files another diplomatic protest vs. China aggression in WPS

The Philippines filed Thursday afternoon another diplomatic protest against China’s latest aggressions  in Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal) and Escoda Shoal (Sabina Shoal) in the West Philippine Sea (WPS). 

The diplomatic protest has been submitted to the Chinese Embassy in Manila, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs.

The Philippines has filed 60 diplomatic protests against China this year and 193 since start of the administration of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr.

Earlier in the day, Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo said "we will be submitting our protest," as he emphasized the Philippines' commitment to asserting its rights in the territorial waters.

When asked if he would summon Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian, Manalo said, “I’ll be seeing him,” though the timing of the meeting has not yet been clarified.

He asserted that the operations conducted by the Philippines in Bajo de Masinloc and Escoda Shoal were within the country’s legal rights and that China's actions were “clearly illegal.”

“It’s very clear I mean we were within our legal rights,” he said, expressing confusion over China's continued aggressive maneuvers in the region.

On Wednesday, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said the China Coast Guard (CCG) launched water cannon attacks and rammed a vessel of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) that was on a maritime patrol in the vicinity of Bajo de Masinloc.

CCG 3302 fired a water cannon at BFAR vessel BRP Datu Pagbuaya (MMOV 3003) at around 6:30 a.m. The Chinese ship then "intentionally sideswiped the BRP Datu Pagbuaya on its starboard side," following up with a second water cannon attack at 6:55 a.m.

The Chinese Embassy in Manila said Philippine vessels had attempted to intrude into Chinese territorial waters off Huangyan Dao, China's name for Bajo de Masinloc or Scarborough Shoal. It claimed that CCG forces had acted lawfully to control the situation.

Over the weekend, the CCG also conducted dangerous maneuvers against PCG vessels in the vicinity of Escoda Shoal as the Filipino vessels BRP Cape Engaño and BRP Melchora Aquino were on their way to Rozul Reef to assist Filipino fishermen who were earlier harassed by CCG.

The latest incidents came on the heels of Beijing’s submission of a statement to the United Nations on the baselines of its territorial sea, which included a chart showing Scarborough Shoal as part of its territorial waters.

Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro responded strongly to China's claims, stating, "Kaya nga nakikibaka tayo kasama ng like-minded nations para buwagin itong kasinungalingang ito," referring to international support for the Philippines in its territorial disputes. He characterized China's presence in the area as that of a “squatter” using force due to its superior military strength.

He was referring to countries like Japan, which signed a new Official Security Assistance (OSA) agreement to bolster the Philippines’ defense capabilities, including enhanced coastal radar systems and other support.

Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines, Endo Kazuya, reiterated Japan's stance, stating, “We oppose any actions that escalate the tensions in the region,” as he emphasized Tokyo’s commitment to upholding the rule of law.

Other nations, such as New Zealand and France, have also voiced concerns regarding China’s actions in the region.—with Michaela Del Callar/AOL, GMA Integrated News