The Philippines has lodged another diplomatic protest against China’s continuing reclamation on the Philippine-claimed Mischief Reef, after it discovered that China has started to dredge for the construction of new structures in the disputed reef, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said on Tuesday. Foreign Affairs spokesperson Charles Jose said that Mischief Reef, which is about 135 km southeast of the island of Palawan is a rich fishing ground within Philippine territory that came under Chinese control in 1995. It was discovered that China has started dredging around the disputed Mischief Reef (Panganiban Reef) in the South China Sea, a sign that Beijing may be preparing to expand its facilities in the area, the DFA official said in a press briefing.

Barcelo, V. (2015, February 11). Mischief Reef dredging leads to PH protest. Manila Standard, p. A4.