Philippines protests over Chinese structure built in disputed waters

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Manila: The Philippines has filed a formal diplomatic protest against China after air force planes spotted a new ‘floating structure’ near the disputed Scarborough Shoal. Foreign affairs department spokeswoman Analyn Ratonel confirmed that Manila has undertaken appropriate diplomatic actions and demarches regarding the installation.

The structure, which features an antenna and was seen with six people atop it, is located at the entrance of a lagoon historically used by Filipino fishermen. Philippine military chief of staff Romeo Brawner pledged increased air and sea patrols to monitor the area, stating they will not allow China to turn the reef into a militarized artificial island as seen in past territorial disputes.

In response, Chinese embassy spokesman Ji Lingpeng maintained Beijing's ‘indisputable’ claim over the territory. The embassy asserted it is fully within China's sovereign rights to carry out activities, including scientific research, at the shoal.