Philippines files 10 protests against China in 2 months over South China Sea row
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There has been a series of incidents between the Philippines and China over disputed territory in the South China Sea.
PHOTO: AFP
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MANILA – The Philippines has filed 10 diplomatic protests against China over alleged “violations” in the South China Sea barely two months into 2023, underscoring renewed tensions between the two nations over the disputed waters.
These form part of the 77 diplomatic protests filed against China under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, according to a statement from the Philippines’ Department of Foreign Affairs on Monday.
The number is almost a fifth of the 388 protests filed over the six-year term of Mr Marcos’ predecessor, Mr Rodrigo Duterte.
“The Philippines continues to protest China’s persistent and illegal presence in Philippine waters, including those near Ayungin Shoal,” the agency said.
Beijing has been asserting its claims to a wide swathe of the South China Sea, including islands and reefs that Manila sees as its own.
Earlier in February, the Philippines protested against China’s actions in aiming a military-grade laser at a Philippine ship in the contested territorial waters.
The United States has described China’s move as “provocative”, while Beijing has said the laser was not military grade. BLOOMBERG
