MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines’ foreign ministry has undertaken appropriate diplomatic action against China in connection with the “illegal presence” of a floating structure in a disputed atoll, the country’s South China Sea task force said Tuesday.
The task force confirmed the presence of a floating structure measuring about 20 feet by 20 feet and featuring what appeared to be an antenna in the disputed Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea.
“The Philippine government will continue to take appropriate actions consistent with international law and in defense of the country’s national interests,” it said in a statement, adding that the protection of Manila’s sovereignty and jurisdiction “remains a paramount consideration.”
The structure, initially spotted at the entrance to the shoal and later inside its lagoon, appeared to be manned, the task force said, citing the latest images from the armed forces.
The task force did not say when the images were taken, but Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro said on the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore on May 30 that he had received information indicating the presence of the structure on the shoal.
The task force said it is closely monitoring developments and assessing the nature, purpose and potential implications of the installation, insisting that Scarborough “is part of the Philippines and within its maritime zones as recognized by international law.”
China’s foreign ministry on Tuesday reiterated China’s “indisputable sovereignty” over the Scarborough Shoal, which it calls Huangyan Island, and its adjacent waters. It said China‘s activities there, including scientific research, are legitimate.
“China urges the Philippines to stop its maritime infringements, provocations and inflammatory hype,” foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said at a regular news conference when asked about the “diplomatic action.”
Satellite images Reuters obtained Friday confirmed the presence of a structure at the lagoon’s entrance, but later images showed it was no longer present.
Scarborough is a prime fishing spot 125 miles off the western coast of the country. It is also 540 miles from Hainan, China’s nearest landmass.
Since 2012, China has maintained constant deployment of coast guard and maritime militia ships in the area.
Sovereignty over Scarborough has not been established, but a 2016 arbitral tribunal ruled largely in favor of the Philippines, saying China’s blockade of the shoal violated international law and that the area was a traditional fishing ground for several countries.
