The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) stressed over the weekend that the deployment of one of its vessels in Escoda Shoal is to safeguard the Philippines’ sovereign rights and protect the country from illegal poachers who damage the marine environment. The PCG maintained that it has every right to do so. The PCG issued the statement after China filed a diplomatic protest with the Philippine government, claiming that the PCG ship violated their sovereignty by entering their waters “without permission.” Beijing claimed it has been present in the area for “a long time.”

Quevedo, R. (2024, August 19). PCG scuttles China’s diplomatic protest. Daily Tribune, pp. A1, A2.