DFA: Stand on Julian Felipe Reef remains unchanged

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) clarified Tuesday that its position regarding Julian Felipe Reef remains 'unchanged', asserting that the reef lies within the Philippine exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

Despite recent statements from presidential spokesman Harry Roque suggesting otherwise, DFA Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. emphasized that the department's stance is definitive.

Last month, the DFA summoned Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian to inform him of the Philippines' sovereign rights over Julian Felipe Reef and protested the presence of Chinese vessels in the area.