(Eagle News)—The Philippine government has filed a diplomatic protest against China over the presence of Chinese vessels near Pagasa Island, the Palace said on Monday, April 1.
Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said the Department of Foreign Affairs in particular noted the presence of 275 Chinese vessels from January to March this year.
He did not say when the protest was filed.
The Philippines and China have had improved relations since President Rodrigo Duterte assumed office.
Duterte opted to not use the Permanent Court of Arbitration ruling that invalidated China’s nine-dash-line that delineated what China said was its territory in the South China Sea against the Asian giant so far.
He, however, said the 2016 ruling would be raised at the right time.
