The Philippines has filed another diplomatic protest against China—the second this week, over its activities in the West Philippine Sea, this time in the Ayungin Shoal.The Department of Foreign Affairs said Chinese Coast Guard vessels have shadowed Philippine boats on a rotation and re-provision mission. Among others, the DFA said the Chinese vessels illegally fished in the area and installed buoys and fishnets “that blocked the shoal’s entrance.” “The 2016 Arbitral Award affirmed that Ayungin Shoal is within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone and continental shelf. China has no right to fish, monitor, or interfere with [the Philippines’] legitimate activities therein,” read the DFA report dated June 10. The department reiterated its calls on Beijing to comply with its obligations under international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the arbitral award.

Ph files news protest vs. China, this time over moves in Ayungin Shoal. (2022, June 12). Manila Standard, pp. A1, A2.