Philippines refutes China’s unilateral territorial claim
(VOVWORLD) - The Philippines said Tuesday it had summoned the Chinese ambassador to convey its “displeasure over the illegal lingering presence of Chinese vessels” in Whitsun Reef (called as “Bai Ba Dau” in Vietnam). The reef is part of Sinh Ton Island (Sin Cowe Island) cluster in Vietnam’s Truong Sa (Spratly) archipelago in the East Sea (South China Sea).
 Chinese vessels in the South China Sea (Photo: The Philippine's military) |
Elizabeth Buensuceso, the Philippine’s Acting Foreign Affairs Undersecretary, reiterated the 2016 ruling by an arbitral tribunal which rejected China’s unilateral territorial claims. She said the continuing presence of Chinese vessels around the reef is a source of regional tension. She demanded that the Chinese vessels leave the area.
Four vessels of the Philippines’s naval force were deployed to the area in support of the marine police and fishing boats, according to Philippines officials.