The government is mulling to take diplomatic action against China for alleged breach of international obligation following the reported presence of two warplanes on an artificial island in South China Sea. “The Secretary of Foreign Affairs has said that they are preparing and exploring the possibility of a diplomatic protest,” Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque said in a Palace news conference. Two Chinese military planes were reportedly recently seen on its artificially-built island in the Panganiban Reef also known as Mischief Reef, located within the country’s exclusive economic zone. Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Cayetano recently said the government was verifying the reported presence of the foreign aircraft in the area. He acknowledged that they were considering filing a protest pending a confirmation from the defense department.

Kabiling, G. D. (2018, April 20). Gov’t mulls diplomatic protest against China. Manila Bulletin, p. 2.