The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) summoned Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian on Monday and expressed “utmost displeasure” over the “illegal lingering presence” of China’s maritime vessels at the Julian Felipe Reef in the West Philippine Sea (WPS). “The DFA reiterated the firm demand of the Philippines that China [will] ensure the immediate departure of all its vessels from the area of Julian Felipe Reef and other maritime zones of the Philippines,” the DFA said on Tuesday. Foreign Affairs undersecretary Elizabeth Buensuceso told the ambassador that Julian Felipe reef is within the country’s exclusive economic zone. She stressed that the presence of Chinese vessels in the area became a source of “regional tension.”

Co, A. S. (2021, April 14). PH summons Chinese envoy. Panay News, p. 11, 14.