Key facts
- The Philippines has lodged a diplomatic protest against China over a floating structure at Scarborough Shoal.
- The structure, measuring 6x6 meters and appearing to be an antenna, was placed without consent.
- The Philippines considers the structure a violation of its sovereignty and international conduct agreements.
- China claims indisputable sovereignty over the shoal and deems its activities legitimate.
- Scarborough Shoal is a key fishing area within the Philippines' internationally recognized maritime zones.
The Philippines has urged China to remove a floating structure recently placed at the disputed Scarborough Shoal, asserting that its presence violates international agreements and Philippine sovereignty. Rogelio Villanueva, a Philippine maritime affairs spokesperson, stated on Wednesday that the 6-by-6 meter structure, which appeared to be an antenna, was installed without consent. China's foreign ministry, however, reiterated its claim of "indisputable sovereignty" over the shoal and described its activities there as legitimate. The Philippines has initiated diplomatic action over the installation, which was confirmed by the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea through aerial monitoring and satellite imagery. Scarborough Shoal is a vital fishing area located approximately 200 km from the Philippines' coast, significantly closer than to China's Hainan island. China has maintained a continuous presence of coastguard and maritime militia vessels in the area since 2012. A 2016 arbitral tribunal ruling largely favored the Philippines, deeming China's blockade of the shoal a violation of international law and recognizing it as a traditional fishing ground for multiple nations.