The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said the Philippines is considering filing another diplomatic protest against China following the latest incident in Bajo de Masinloc.
In a press briefing on Monday, DFA spokesperson Angelica Escalona reported that the Philippines has filed 35 diplomatic protests against China this year, before the incidents of harassment and interference by Chinese assets in the Scarborough Shoal last week.
“Regarding our bilateral dialogue with China, we are indeed exploring existing platforms to discuss these important matters,” she said in Filipino.
On August 11, an incident occurred involving a collision between a China Coast Guard (CCG) vessel and a People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) warship, which were both following the Philippine Coast Guard’s (PCG) BRP Suluan.
On August 13, a PLA Naval Air Force (PLANAF) J-15 fighter jet made dangerous maneuvers and came as close as 200 feet from the PCG Cessna Caravan.
Escalona emphasized that the Philippines will maintain open diplomatic ties with China.
“We are instructed to continue using dialogue and to keep communication lines open with China, in accordance with the President’s directives to manage the issue peacefully,” she added.
The Philippine Coast Guard also reassured local fishermen that they can operate safely in Bajo de Masinloc.
