The Philippines' removal of the floating barriers that Chinese coast guards put up in Scarborough Shoal in the West Philippine Sea is "nothing more than self-amusement," according to Chinese Foreign Affairs spokesman Wang Wenbin on Thursday.
In a press conference, Wang seemingly mocked and belittled the Philippines' action of cutting the rope holding the floating barrier installed in Bajo de Masinloc, which the Chinese call Huangyan Dao.
"I would like to reiterate that Huangyan Dao (the Chinese name for Panatag) has always been China’s territory. What the Philippines did looks like nothing more than self-amusement," the Chinese official told reporters when he was on the country;'s position over the action.
"China will continue to safeguard our territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests over Huangyan Dao," he added.
According to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), the CCG installed a 300-meter-long floating barrier at the southeast portion of Bajo de Masinloc (BDM) also known as Scarborough Shoal, preventing Filipino fishing boats from entering and doing fishing activities.
The floating barrier was discovered a week after the reports of destruction in the marine ecosystem and coral reefs in Razul Reef and Escoda Shoal in the WPS where CCG vessels were previously spotted.
Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, in an interview, said the national government will most likely file a case against China over the matter.
