PH takes diplomatic action vs. China over Bajo de Masinloc 'structure'

The Philippine government has taken diplomatic action against China over the reported presence of a floating structure in Bajo de Masinloc, the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS) said Tuesday.

In a statement, the NTF-WPS confirmed information earlier disclosed by Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief General Romeo Brawner Jr. regarding the presence of the Chinese structure inside the shoal.

"The Department of Foreign Affairs has already undertaken appropriate diplomatic action with the government of the People's Republic of China in connection with the illegal presence of this floating structure," it said.

"The protection of Philippine sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction remains a paramount consideration. The Philippine Government will continue to take appropriate actions consistent with international law and in defense of the country's national interests," it added.

According to the task force, aerial monitoring conducted by several Philippine government agencies confirmed the presence of a 6-by-6 meter floating structure equipped with what appeared to be an antenna.

Based on the latest images obtained by the AFP and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), people were stationed on top of the structure.

"The NTF-WPS is closely coordinating with relevant government agencies to monitor developments and further assess the nature, purpose, and implications of the installation and related activities within the shoal," the task force said.

It added that inter-agency efforts were ongoing to establish a complete and accurate assessment of the situation.

The NTF-WPS likewise reiterated its commitment to upholding the rules-based international order, particularly the provisions of the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and the 2016 Arbitral Award.

It maintained that Bajo de Masinloc is an integral part of the Philippines and falls within the country's maritime zones as recognized under international law.

GMA News Online has requested comment from the Chinese Embassy in the Philippines but it has yet to respond as of posting time.

In September last year, Beijing approved the creation of a "national nature reserve" at Bajo de Masinloc. Manila, along with Australia, Canada, Japan, and the United States, had rejected the plan.

Bajo de Masinloc is located 124 nautical miles off Masinloc, Zambales, and is considered within the Philippines' 200-nautical-mile exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

Tensions continue as Beijing claims almost all of the South China Sea, a conduit for more than $3 trillion of annual shipborne commerce, including parts claimed by the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei.

Parts of the South China Sea that fall within Philippine territory have been renamed by the government as West Philippine Sea to reinforce the country’s claim.

The West Philippine Sea refers to the maritime areas on the western side of the Philippine archipelago including Luzon Sea and the waters around, within and adjacent to the Kalayaan Island Group and Bajo de Masinloc.

In 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Hague ruled in favor of the Philippines over China's claims in the South China Sea, saying that it had "no legal basis."

China has refused to recognize the decision. — VDV, GMA News