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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider PH mulling protest over Chinese ships' dangerous maneuvers; foreign envoys hit China's latest WPS aggression

PH mulling protest over Chinese ships' dangerous maneuvers; foreign envoys hit China's latest WPS aggression

Published Aug 13, 2025 09:13 am
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said it is “in the process” of filing a diplomatic protest over China’s dangerous maneuvers off the Scarborough (Panatag) Shoal earlier this week.

This image shows the exact moment when China Coast Guard (CCG) ship
This image shows the exact moment when China Coast Guard (CCG) ship "3104" collided with a Chinese People's Liberation Army-Navy (PLA-N) warship "164" while chasing BRP Suluan in Bajo de Masinloc, West Philippine Sea on Aug. 11, 2025. (Photo from Philippine Coast Guard)
This was revealed by DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro on the sidelines of the ceremonial signing of the exchange of notes on the entry into force of the Philippines-Japan Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) on Tuesday, Aug. 12.

“We will be in the process of doing so, but for this time, it will be the statement that we have released,” she said.

The DFA chief noted, however, that they have yet to summon the Chinese Ambassador to Manila over the matter.

“I think there has been a process but we're still rethinking the whole issue,” she added.

Lazaro maintained that the Philippines has “to be more careful” and aims to “go back to the process whereby diplomatic dialogue and discussions will be best for the situation.”

She also reiterated that both parties need to strictly adhere to two international conventions mentioned in the DFA’s earlier statement—the 1972 International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS) and the 1974 Safety of Life at Sea Convention (SOLAS).

On Monday, Aug. 11, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vessel BRP Suluan (MRV 4406), which was among the vessels deployed there for a mission for Filipino fishermen, evaded a water cannon attack by a China Coast Guard (CCG) ship.

This has resulted in the collision of the CCG ship and China’s People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) vessel.

Meanwhile, the diplomatic community in the Philippines also expressed their concern over Monday’s incident near Scarborough Shoal.

United States Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson posted a video of the incident on her social media accounts.

“We condemn this latest reckless action by China directed against (Philippine) vessel BRP Suluan and commend @coastguardph for their professionalism and their offer to render assistance,” she said, referring to the PCG assisting the two Chinese vessels that collided at sea.

Japanese Ambassador to Manila Endo Kazuya also called out China’s moves.

“Seriously concerned about the dangerous actions, which caused collision between the Chinese vessels and undermined the safety of ship & crew. (Japan) upholds the rule of law and opposes any actions which increase tensions. Our concern goes to the repeated actions in SCS,” he wrote.

European Union Ambassador Massimo Santoro also said he was “deeply concerned” by the incident.

“The EU reiterates its call for a peaceful settlement of disputes, in compliance with the rules-based international order and international law, including UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea) and the 2016 Arbitral award,” he posted, referring to the arbitral victory wherein the basis of China’s claims in the South China Sea were invalidated.

China has repeatedly rejected the ruling.

Danish Ambassador to Manila Franz-Michael Skjold Mellbin pointed out the danger brought by the unsafe passage of Chinese vessels at sea.

“#ChineseCoastGuard suffered man overboard while shadowing #Philippine vessel BRP Suluan. Hope he was found. Underlines how dangerous the unsafe #Chinese passages, threatening maneuvers and near or full collisions in the #WestPhilippineSea are,” he said.

Related Tags

Scarborough Shoal China Coast Guard DFA diplomatic protest
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