Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin protested to the Chinese side the same day against the large number of Chinese fishing boats moored in the waters of disputed islands and reefs in the South China Sea, AFP reported on March 22.
The Philippine government confirmed on Sunday that more than 200 armed Chinese vessels were found moored in formation on March 7 within 175 nautical miles off NiuYue Reef, and the Philippines demanded that the Chinese side immediately withdraw these vessels that violate the Philippines’ maritime sovereignty.
But the request was described as “normal” by Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying, who said the fishing boats were “sheltering from the wind and waves” and “have been fishing here for a long Time“.
Philippine Foreign Minister Lloyd Lochin confirmed via Twitter the same day that the Philippines has protested to China in this regard.
The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs stressed that the continued deployment and stay of Chinese vessels is a serious violation of Philippine sovereignty, and that China’s massive and threatening presence is contrary to its own commitment to maintain regional stability.
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