The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Monday said that it has called upon China's envoy and submitted a diplomat protest to Beijing following an incident where China's Coast Guard employed water cannons against Manila's ships near Ayungin Shoal in past weekend.
During the press briefing held by the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea, DFA spokesperson Tess Daza stated that DFA Undersecretary Theresa Lazaro summoned Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian and lodged the protest on the morning of Monday.
"The Undersecretary reiterated to the Chinese side that the Ayungin Shoal is a low tide alleviation that cannot be appropiated or subjected to sovereignty claims," Daza added.
The DFA spokesperson also emphasized the DFA's strong call for China to immediately instruct its vessels to halt their unlawful actions against Philippine ships and to cease interfering with lawful activities conducted by the Philippines.
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— DZRH NEWS (@dzrhnews) August 7, 2023
Spox. Daza: The DFA firmly ask China to direct its vessels to stop the illegal action against the Philippine vessels and stop interfering in legitimate Philippine activities.
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— DZRH NEWS (@dzrhnews) August 7, 2023
Spox. Daza: Comply with its obligation under the international law, including the 1982 UNCLOS and the 2016 South China Sea Arbitration Ruling, and adhere its commitments.#SamaSamaTayoPilipino
President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos earlier said that DFA Secretary Enrique Manalo personally delivered a note verbale to Office of Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian, which contained documented photos and videos of the incident.
As reported by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Sunday, the Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) had illicitly employed water cannons against PCG vessels en route to supply provisions such as food, water, fuel, and other essentials to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) stationed on BRP Sierra Madre at Ayungin Shoal.
