DFA files 47th protest vs China over West Philippine Sea actions

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has filed 47 diplomatic protests against China in 2025 due to its aggressive actions in the West Philippine Sea, with another protest to be filed over an October 12 incident involving water cannons and ramming of Philippine vessels near Pag-asa Island.

This brings the total number of diplomatic protests filed since 2022 to 245.

The latest protest concerns an incident where a Chinese vessel allegedly rammed a Philippine ship near Bajo de Masinloc.

The Philippine Coast Guard reported that the China Coast Guard vessel caused minor structural damage to the Philippine ship, BRP Datu Pagbuaya, while it was providing cover for Filipino fishermen.

DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro mentioned the existence of a bilateral consultative mechanism and foreign ministry consultations when asked by Senator Imee Marcos about alternative actions beyond diplomatic protests.

Lazaro stated that while the practical benefits of these protests may not be felt immediately, they are important for later situations.