Philippines to Protest China Coast Guard Harassment
The Philippines announced its intent to file a diplomatic protest against the China Coast Guard (CCG) for their recent harassment of a routine Filipino patrol near Bajo de Masinloc, also known as Scarborough Shoal. Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo confirmed this intention on Wednesday, reiterating the Philippines’ legal rights in the area.
“[We] will be submitting our protest,” Manalo stated. The CCG allegedly used water cannons against the Philippine vessel, BRP Datu Pagbuaya.
“Illegal Actions, Clear Message”
“It’s very clear… I mean we were within our legal rights,” Manalo emphasized during a chance interview following the signing ceremony for Japan’s 2024 Official Security Assistance to the Philippines. This aid, amounting to 1.6 billion yen, approximately P611 million, will bolster the Philippine Armed Forces.
“Certainly, we don’t understand why China again is repeating these actions which are clearly illegal,” Manalo added, expressing the Philippines’ frustration with the ongoing territorial dispute.
Senator Condemns the CCG’s Actions
Senator Joseph Victor Ejercito swiftly condemned the CCG’s bullying tactics and reiterated his stance against China’s continued aggression in the West Philippine Sea.
“This brazen attack is a blatant violation of international law and an affront to Philippine sovereignty,” Ejercito declared in a statement released on Wednesday. “This is [no place] for this kind of behavior in a civilized and rules-based international order.”
He further criticized the CCG for repeatedly disregarding Philippine rights and endangering the safety and livelihoods of Filipino fishermen in the region.
Calls for Modernization Intensify
Senator Ejercito used this incident to once again urge the acceleration of the Philippines’ Armed Forces modernization program. He stressed the critical need for the Philippines to possess the capacity to defend its waters and assert its sovereignty confidently.
“I strongly believe that securing even a minimum credible defense posture is crucial to safeguarding our interests and ensuring these abuses do not persist,” he stated.
“We will not be cowed by a bully,”
Ejercito asserted.
“With our resolve, combined with reason and the principles of international law, we will prevail.”
How does the Philippines plan to convey their strong disappointment to China regarding the recent harassment?
## Interview with Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary on China Coast Guard Harassment
**Host:** Secretary Manalo, thank you for joining us today. Can you elaborate on the Philippines’ planned diplomatic protest against the China Coast Guard?
**Secretary Manalo:** Of course. We will be submitting a formal protest to the Chinese government regarding the recent harassment of our patrol vessel, the BRP Datu Pagbuaya, near Scarborough Shoal. [1](https://www.csmonitor.com/World/Asia-Pacific/2024/1204/south-china-sea-Philippines-water-cannon-ships)
**Host:** What exactly transpired during this incident?
**Secretary Manalo:** Chinese Coast Guard vessels, backed by naval ships, used water cannons against our vessel while also blocking and sideswiping it. This happened within our Exclusive Economic Zone and is a clear violation of international law.
**Host:** What is the Philippines’ position on Scarborough Shoal?
**Secretary Manalo:** Our position is clear: we have sovereign rights and jurisdiction over Scarborough Shoal, which is within our Exclusive Economic Zone. We were conducting a routine patrol within our legally recognized territory.
**Host:** This isn’t the first time tensions have flared up in the South China Sea. How does the Philippines plan to address these recurring issues with China?
**Secretary Manalo:** We hope that through diplomatic channels, we can convey our strong disappointment and demand that these illegal actions cease. The Philippines remains committed to a peaceful resolution of this dispute and upholding international law. In the meantime, we are strengthening our defense capabilities with the support of our allies, such as the recent assistance from Japan. [1](https://www.csmonitor.com/World/Asia-Pacific/2024/1204/south-china-sea-Philippines-water-cannon-ships)
**Host:** Thank you, Secretary Manalo, for your time and insights.
