The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) filed a diplomatic protest on Monday, June 10, against China concerning recent actions in the South China Sea. The protest addresses what the Philippine government described as “provocative, illegal, and aggressive actions” by Chinese maritime forces near Ayungin Shoal, known internationally as Second Thomas Shoal.
In a statement, the DFA confirmed it had lodged the protest against the “illegal presence” of Chinese vessels within the shoal, which is located inside the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ). The department cited incidents including the shadowing of Philippine vessels, attempts to block access to traditional fishing grounds, and other actions it characterized as harassment.
The protest specifically referenced events that occurred on May 19. According to the DFA, Chinese forces attempted to seize supplies that were airdropped for Filipino military personnel stationed on the BRP Sierra Madre, a grounded naval vessel that serves as a military outpost. The department also reported that the Philippine Coast Guard experienced “dangerous maneuvers and harassment” from Chinese vessels while conducting a medical evacuation for a sick soldier from the same outpost.
This marks the 153rd protest the current Philippine administration has filed against China related to its conduct in the South China Sea, according to the DFA.
On Monday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning addressed the situation during a press conference in Beijing. Mao stated that China permitted the Philippines to deliver “living necessities” and evacuate personnel. However, she noted that the Philippines should not use humanitarian missions “as an excuse to transport construction materials in an attempt to achieve permanent occupation of Ren’ai Jiao,” which is the Chinese name for Ayungin Shoal.
Ayungin Shoal is situated approximately 194 kilometers off the coast of Palawan, placing it within the Philippines’ 340-kilometer EEZ as defined by international law.
The competing claims in the region were the subject of a 2016 ruling by an arbitral tribunal in The Hague. The tribunal invalidated China’s extensive historical claims to the South China Sea, often represented by a “nine-dash line.” China has not recognized the ruling. The recent protest is the latest diplomatic action in the ongoing territorial dispute between the two nations.
