China is allegedly asserting its sovereign rights in Scarborough or Panatag Shoal after the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported a “close distance maneuvering” incident involving a Chinese vessel in the area.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin made the following PCG report on March 2 that the Chinese Coast Guard Vessel approached BRP Malabrigo in the ocean around Panatag Shoal or better known as Bajo de Masinloc.
At the same time, Wang urged the PCG to respect China’s claim to such part of the ocean based on Beijing’s existing domestic law and international law as well.
They also prevented the PCG from allegedly interfering in the patrol and law enforcement of the Chinese Coast Guard in the area.
But according to PCG Commandant Admiral Artemio Abu, the incident recently was the fourth reported close distance maneuvering incident of Chinese ships around Panatag Shoal.
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