The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) summoned on Monday China’s ambassador over the Chinese vessels apparently overstaying around Julian Felipe Reef in the West Philippine Sea. In a statement yesterday, the DFA said it summoned Ambassador Huang Xilian to express Manila’s “displeasure over the illegal lingering presence of Chinese vessels in Julian Felipe Reef.” It was acting Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Elizabeth Buensuceso who faced Huang and reminded him that Julian Felipe Reef lies within the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of the Philippines. The DFA said it was the first time Huang was summoned.

Lee-Brago, P., Felipe, C. S., & Punongbayan, M. (2021, April 14). DFA summons Chinese envoy over lingering boats. The Philippine Star, p. 2.