Philippines files protest vs China over 287 vessels in WPS

The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) filed another diplomatic protest against China on Thursday over the presence of approximately 287 Chinese militia vessels in the West Philippine Sea.

These vessels were spotted near artificial islands built by China and around islands occupied by the Philippines, based on patrols conducted on May 9.

Foreign Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. ordered the DFA to file the protest after criticizing a Philippine task force for not alerting the DFA before issuing a statement about the Chinese ships.

The National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea (NTF WPS) assured that the Philippines will continue sovereignty patrols in the area to enforce laws and deter illegal fishing.