Philippines orders filing of diplomatic protest over Chinese ships incursions near Ayungin Shoal

October 2, 2019

Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. on Wednesday ordered filing of another diplomatic protest against China over alleged latest incursions of its vessels near Ayungin Shoal in the West Philippine Sea.

“Fire off another diplomatic protest . . . Now,” twitted Locsin, who is in Russia as part of President Rodrigo Duterte’s entourage.

“@DFAPHL I'm in Moscow. Do I have to fly home to file the... diplomatic protest myself? That's the military speaking . . . file now!!” he added.

Locsin gave the order after Armed Forces chief Lieutenant General Noel Clement revealed they have reported unannounced entry of Chinese vessels near Ayungin Shoal to the Department of Foreign Affairs for diplomatic action.

In a September 26 report, the Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative (AMTI) claimed the presence of China Coast Guard vessels at the Ayungin and Panatag Shoals, which are accessible from Chinese port facilities on artificial islands in Spratlys.

The maritime institute had identified 14 Chinese Coast Guard vessels broadcasting automatic identification system  signals while patrolling West Philippine Sea features the last year.

The ships do not usually open their automatic identification systems  during patrols, but they broadcast their presence, the report said.

The think-tank cited data showing at least one ship was broadcasting at Second Thomas Shoal on 215 days, and from Scarborough Shoal for 162 days. DMS