China to PH: Stop ‘illegal and challenging action’ in the West PH Sea

China is stopping the Philippines from allegedly taking illegal and challenging measures in the disputed part of the West Philippine Sea.

China responded after the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) filed another diplomatic protest over the Chinese Coast Guard confiscating the belongings of Filipino fishermen in Scarborough Shoal or Bajo de Masinloc.

According to Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian, the Philippines is interfering in China’s sovereignty and security by sending military aircraft to patrol the Spratlys.

“China urges the Philippine side to immediately stop illegal provocations,” Zhao said.

The official also defended the Chinese Coast Guard’s move which was allegedly in accordance with the law.

“It is beyond reproach for China Coast Guard to conduct law enforcement in Huangyan Dao waters as it is a lawful practice,” said Zhao, referring to Scarborough.

Earlier, the Philippines also protested China’s ongoing radio or radio challenges to Philippine Philippine aircraft carrying maritime patrols in the West Philippine Sea.

But Malacañang believes that the diplomatic protest filed will not affect the relationship between the Philippines and China.