Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 7) — The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) confirmed that the Philippines summoned China’s ambassador and filed a diplomatic protest against Beijing after its coast guard fired water cannon on Manila’s vessels near Ayungin Shoal over the weekend.
DFA spokesperson Tess Daza said Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Theresa Lazaro summoned Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian and issued the protest on Monday morning.
Meanwhile, Philippine Ambassador to China Jaime FlorCruz likewise handed a protest note to the Chinese Foreign Ministry in Beijing.
Daza added that as of Aug. 7, the Philippines has filed 445 diplomatic protests since 2020, of which 35 were filed this year, including the latest one over the firing of water cannon.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. earlier told media that the DFA sent a note verbale, together with pictures and videos of the incident, to the Chinese Embassy
The Chinese Coast Guard on Aug. 5 used water cannon against Philippine vessels that were en route to military troops in BRP Sierra Madre for a resupply mission. Beijing also conducted dangerous maneuvers that prevented another boat from unloading its supplies, the Armed Forces of the Philippines said.
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WATCH: The Philippine Coast Guard shares a video of a China Coast Guard ship firing water cannon at PCG's vessel to block a resupply mission in Ayungin Shoal last Aug. 5 pic.twitter.com/QtKUc79VZl
— CNN Philippines (@cnnphilippines) August 7, 2023
