JAKARTA - The Philippine government has again lodged a diplomatic protest. The protests are linked to illegal acts carried out by China in about 200 miles of its exclusive economic zone.
This is the second diplomatic protest sent by the Philippine Ministry of Foreign Affairs this week. In addition, this protest also adds to the more than 300 complaints filed over Beijing's "illegal" activities in the South China Sea.
In a statement released late Friday, June 10, the Philippine Ministry of Foreign Affairs accused China of engaging in "illegal fishing" while a Beijing coast guard vessel trailed a Philippine vessel on a supply mission around its shallow waters.
"China does not have the right to fish, monitor, or interfere with the Philippines' legitimate activities in these waters," the Philippine Foreign Ministry said, as quoted by Reuters from Reuters.
The Philippine Foreign Ministry also said China's actions took place at the Second Thomas Shoal, which is claimed by Beijing and Manila, located 105 nautical miles (195 km) from Palawan province, Philippines.
In November, the Philippines canceled a supply mission on the atoll after three Chinese coastguard vessels closed the line and used water cannon on supply ships.
China claims most of the South China Sea and continues to assert its presence in the strategic waterway, even though an arbitration decision in 2016 overturned Beijing's claims.
The protest by the Philippines underscores the challenges ahead for president-elect Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who will have a delicate balancing act of strengthening economic ties with China.
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