PH files diplomatic protest vs China over floating structure in Bajo de Masinloc

The Philippines has taken diplomatic action over the movable floating platform allegedly deployed by China within Bajo de Masinloc in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

In a statement, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said it has taken "appropriate diplomatic action" but the specific contents of such could not be discussed “as these are confidential communications.”

“The DFA has undertaken the appropriate diplomatic action, such as several demarches and the issuance of a formal protest, against the structure in Bajo de Masinloc reported by the AFP and the PCG,” the DFA said.

Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) spokesperson for WPS Rear Admiral Jay Tarriela said the structure was first detected through satellite imagery and maritime domain awareness operations conducted in May.

The structure, Tarriela said, has a deck area of approximately 30 square meters, and has dimensions of five meters to six to seven meters in length.

The structure also appears to be equipped with metal supports that may allow it to be anchored or stabilized in a stationary position.

According to Tarriela, six Chinese personnel were seen on the platform on May 30, and aerial harassment incidents involving Chinese military aircraft were also reported.

On May 31, the platform moved deeper into Bajo de Masinloc, reportedly assisted by Chinese vessels and personnel. —VAL, GMA News