Philippines expects Chinese vessels at Whitsun Reef to leave soon

The Philippines expects Chinese vessels moored at Whitsun Reef in the South China Sea to leave soon due to strong diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Presidential spokesman Herminio Roque stated there is no controversy as China is not fighting to stay, and the DFA has filed a diplomatic protest against the presence of over 200 vessels believed to be Chinese militia.

The Philippine military conveyed to its Chinese counterpart the demand for the close to 200 Chinese vessels to leave Julian Felipe Reef, but China’s People’s Liberation Army representatives reiterated their government's assurance that these ships were not manned by militia and are just taking refuge amid foul weather.

On Tuesday, the DFA demanded China to promptly withdraw its fishing vessels near Julian Felipe Reef in the Kalayaan Island Group, asserting Philippine sovereignty over the area and stressing that Chinese presence infringes upon it.