Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana has stepped up criticism on Chinese ships sailing unannounced into Philippine waters, in what may be taken as a signal of souring relations between the Philippines and China despite assurances to the contrary by Malacañang and by Beijing. Lorenzana, along with other defense officials, has been reporting such vessels disregarding communications by Philippine authorities. The defense chief particularly noted that Chinese warships had passed through Sibutu Strait near Tawi-Tawi four times since February.

Ramos, C. M., Aurelio, J. M., & Gascon, M. (2019, August 10). Defense chief on Chinese ships: Why the secrecy?. Philippine Daily Inquirer, pp. A1, A2.