Philippine to file another diplomatic protest over reported presence of Chinese ships in EEZ

August 9, 2019

The Department of Foreign Affairs ( DFA) will file another diplomatic protest against China in connection with two Chinese vessels that reportedly entered the Philippines' exclusive economic zone ( EEZ).

Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr said they are “firing off” the diplomatic protest after Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana questioned  presence of Chinese research vessels and warships in Philippine waters.

"Okay, got it, General. @DFAPHL firing off diplomatic protest," Locsin posted on his Twitter account Friday.

Ryan Martinson, assistant professor at China Maritime Studies Institute of Naval War College, claimed a Chinese oceanographic survey ship was sighted in Philippine sea territory.

Martinson said Chinese ship Zhanjian, just 75 nautical miles away, started operating in the Philippines' east coast on August 3.

Another Chinese survey ship, Dong Fang Hong 3, was spotted in the Philippine EEZ. DMS