DFA summons Chinese envoy after water cannon attack in WPS

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said it summoned Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian on Monday to reiterate the national government’s protest over China’s recent aggression against Philippine vessels conducting a resupply mission in Ayungin Shoal. 

The DFA, in a statement on Monday, said Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Theresa Lazaro talked to the Chinese Ambassador, reiterating that Ayungin Shoal is within Philippine territory.

“The Undersecretary reiterated to the Chinese side that Ayungin Shoal is a low-tide elevation that cannot be appropriated or subjected to sovereignty claims. The final and binding South China Sea Arbitration expressly stated that Ayungin Shoal is within the exclusive economic zone and continental shelf of the Philippines, over which the Philippines has sovereign rights and jurisdiction,” DFA detailed. 

The department likewise detailed that it asked China to do the following: 

• Direct its vessels to stop its illegal actions against Philippine vessels 
• Comply with its obligations under international law
• Adhere to its commitments under the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea

The DFA also aired its disappointment, detailing that it was “unable to reach its counterpart” through maritime communication when the incident transpired. 

“[We] hope that the Chinese side would reciprocate, with the same sense of urgency, the communications initiated by the Philippines as has been demonstrated by the Philippines when receiving communications initiated by the Chinese side,” it added.

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