The Philippines will protest China’s establishment of a maritime rescue center at the Kagitingan or Fiery Cross Reef once it is verified, Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. said yesterday. Locsin agreed with Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio that the Philippines should contest China’s construction on the Philippine-claimed Kagitingan Reef. “I, however, prefer engaging them openly on the floor of the UN General Assembly,” Locsin said on Twitter. The Philippines has filed almost 20 protests against China’s actions in the West Philippine Sea without “fanfare,” the DFA chief added.

Lee-Brago, P. (2019, February 3). Phl to protest China's maritime rescue center in WPS. The Philippine Star, p. 10.