By Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 27) — China on Tuesday warned the Philippines not to make “provocation” or “stir up trouble” after Manila removed the floating barrier Beijing installed in Scarborough Shoal.
“China’s resolve in safeguarding its sovereignty and maritime rights and interests over Huangyan Dao (Scarborough Shoal) is unwavering,” Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin said in a press conference.
“We call on the Philippines not to make provocation or stir up trouble,” he added.
The Department of Foreign Affairs, however, said the removal of the floating barrier was “consistent” with the government’s position on the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
Scarborough Shoal–or Bajo de Masinloc–is located in the middle of the WPS inside the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone.
On Sept. 20, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) discovered that the Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) installed a 300-meter-long barrier in the southeast portion of Bajo de Masinloc.
It announced on Monday that it has removed the barrier in compliance with instructions from Malacañang and the National Task Force for the WPS.
The PCG said the barrier “posed a hazard to navigation” and “a clear violation of international law.”
In a previous statement, the China’s Foreign Ministry defended the installation of the barrier, asserting that Scarborough Shoal is part of Chinese territory.
Source: https://www.cnnphilippines.com/news/2023/9/27/china-on-floating-barrier-removal.html