In a statement on Monday, the Philippine foreign ministry also accused China’s coast guard of “shadowing, blocking, dangerous manoeuvres, and radio challenges of the Philippine coast guard vessels.”
Philippine officials believe the Chinese vessels are manned by militia.
This comes after protests in the Philippines over Chinese leadership
As of April 26, the Philippines had filed 78 diplomatic protests to China. This comes since President Rodrigo Duterte took office in 2016 as shown by foreign ministry data.
Marie Yvette Banzon-Abalos is the executive director for strategic communications at the Phillipino foreign ministry. Abalos said their increasingly harsh statement reflects China’s increasing brazeness..
“Our statements are stronger too because of the more brazen nature of the activities. The number, frequency and proximity of intrusions,” she said.