The Philippines has called on China to remove a floating platform recently spotted in the waters of Bajo de Masinloc.
According to Department of Foreign Affairs spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, Deputy Assistant Secretary Rogelio Villanueva Jr., the Philippine government is concerned about the presence of the floating platform and other structures in the area.
Villanueva emphasized that the Philippines remains firm in asserting its sovereignty over Bajo de Masinloc. He stressed that only the Philippines has the right to construct structures and conduct activities within the shoal.
He added that the continued presence of the platform without Philippine authorization not only violates the country’s sovereignty and jurisdiction but is also inconsistent with international law.
As a result, he urged China to remove the structures and platform from Bajo de Masinloc.
“We therefore urge China to withdraw and remove the platform structures from Bajo de Masinloc, cease similar actions that violate Philippine sovereignty and sovereign rights in and within the vicinity of Bajo de Masinloc, and comply with its obligations under international law, particularly UNCLOS and the 2016 South China Sea arbitral award,” Villanueva said.
The DFA official also confirmed that the Philippines has already undertaken diplomatic actions regarding the matter with China.
