MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines continues to exercise sovereignty over its marine territory despite the Chinese Coast Guard’s maneuvering in Bajo de Masinloc or Scarborough Shoal, Malacañang assured on Tuesday.
“The Philippine position is we continue to exercise full sovereignty over Bajo de Masinloc and its territorial sea and sovereign rights and jurisdiction over the surrounding [exclusive economic zone] and continental shelf,” acting presidential spokesman Martin Andanar said in a statement.
Andanar’s remark came after China, through Chinese Foreign Ministry’s spokesperson Wang Wenbin, insisted on its sovereignty over Scarborough Shoal in the West Philippine Sea.
China even told the Philippines to avoid interfering with its patrols in Scarborough Shoal, which they call Huangyan Dao.
READ: ‘Avoid interfering’ with Scarborough Shoal patrols – China to PH
The Philippine Coast Guard over the weekend reported another “close distance” maneuvering of a Chinese Coast Guard ship in Bajo de Masinloc.
READ: PCG reports China Coast Guard’s ‘close distance maneuvering’ anew in Bajo de Masinloc
Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. will visit China this week to discuss the “current regional and international situation and contribute more positive energy to regional peace and stability and global prosperity and development.”
READ: Locsin, 3 other Southeast Asian ministers to visit China — spox