Philippines urges China to remove structure in disputed shoal

The Philippines has formally requested China to remove a floating structure it has been monitoring within the disputed Scarborough Shoal, escalating tensions in the South China Sea. Rogelio Villanueva Jr., spokesperson for maritime affairs at the Philippines’ Department of Foreign Affairs, described the structure as "semi-permanent" during a briefing on June 10.

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semi-permanent

Aerial surveillance confirmed a six-by-six meter floating structure, possibly equipped with an antenna, within the shoal. This prompted Manila to issue multiple diplomatic demarches and a formal protest to Beijing. Undersecretary Alexander Lopez of the National Maritime Council stated that China's recent actions are "deemed unauthorized and illegal," and the Philippine government is committed to taking all necessary steps to assert its sovereignty.

China, however, maintains its claim of "indisputable sovereignty" over the Scarborough Shoal, which it refers to as Huangyan Dao. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian asserted on June 9 that all activities conducted by Beijing in the shoal, including scientific research, are lawful. The Philippines first detected the object on May 25, and the Coast Guard suspects two Chinese research vessels may have been involved in placing the platform there. Authorities also observed Chinese personnel on the platform, believed to have assisted in positioning it by May 31.

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deemed unauthorized and illegal

Philippine Coast Guard spokesman Jay Tarriela suggested the objects, including buoys and a possible antenna, are likely intended for marine scientific research. The Philippines vows to continue monitoring and patrolling the area. Armed forces chief Romeo Brawner Jr. emphasized that the nation will not permit a recurrence of past incidents in the contested waters, where China has asserted control since a 2012 standoff and built artificial islands to support its expansive claims.

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indisputable sovereignty