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China asserts floating barrier in Bajo de Masinloc 'necessary'

Philippines | National

China asserts floating barrier in Bajo de Masinloc 'necessary'

By Joseph Pedrajas and Joseph Pedrajas

China said on Monday, Feb. 26, it was necessary that it installed floating barriers in Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal), an atoll that is part of the Philippine exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

Mao Ning, China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson, justified Beijing's action, saying it was a "response to a series of moves by the Philippines" in the waters that supposedly infringe on China's sovereignty.

Philippine troops have been conducting legal operations, including maritime patrol, in Bajo de Masinloc and other parts of the West Philippine Sea.

"China is compelled to take necessary measures to firmly safeguard its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests," Mao said.

"Huangyan Dao [Bajo de Masinloc] has always been China's territory," she claimed.

On Feb. 17, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) spokesman Commodore Jay Tarriela reported that the Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) placed floating barriers at the southeastern entrance of Bajo de Masinloc, with two coast guard vessels also guarding the lagoon.

“And they have also deployed their speedboats to make sure na mababantayan itong (they can monitor the) floating barriers,” Tarriela added.

Related Tags

bajo de masinloc china coast guard Mao Ning People's Republic of China

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