MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Foreign Affairs confirmed that it has filed a diplomatic protest against China’s creation of a nature reserve in Scarborough Shoal or Bajo de Masinloc in the West Philippine Sea.
“The Department filed a protest yesterday (Friday), which is a strong, unequivocal and formal articulation of [The Philippines’] objections to the [China] action,” the DFA said in a message to reporters on Saturday.
The Chinese State Council said that it would establish a national nature reserve in Huangyan Island, which is the Chinese name of the shoal.
The DFA said that Beijing’s actions was “illegitimate and unlawful,” and it “clearly infringes upon the rights and interests of the Philippines in accordance with international law.”
It added that Bajo de Masinloc was a “longstanding and integral part of the Philippines over which it has sovereignty and jurisdiction,” “The Philippines likewise has the exclusive authority to establish environmental protection areas over its territory and relevant maritime zones,” it said.
Manila has called on Beijing to respect the sovereignty and jurisdiction of the Philippines over Bajo de Masinloc, refrain from enforcing and immediately withdraw its State Council issuance and comply with its obligations under international law.
