Philippines protests Chinese structure on Bajo de Masinloc

The Philippines, asserting sovereignty over Bajo de Masinloc, filed a diplomatic protest against China for illegally constructing a “floating” structure on the disputed shoal.

The floating structure spotted during a maritime awareness flight conducted by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) last May 28. Photo from PCG.

Manuel Mogato | June 9, 2026

MANILA — The Philippines, asserting sovereignty over Bajo de Masinloc, filed a diplomatic protest against China for illegally constructing a “floating” structure on the disputed shoal, a foreign ministry official said.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, the foreign ministry official said Manila has taken diplomatic action against China after the military and coast guard reported the presence of “floating” structure on Bajo de Masinloc.

The Department of Foreign Affairs, according to the foreign ministry official, sent several demarches and a formal protest against the construction of a structure in Bajo de Masinloc.

“We are unable to discuss the specific contents of the demarches and the diplomatic protest any further as these are confidential communications,” the foreign ministry official said.

Retired general Eduardo Oban, head of the National Task Force on the West Philippine Sea, said they have to file a protest to protect the country’s sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction, which he said “remains a paramount consideration.”

“The Philippine government will continue to take appropriate actions consistent with international law and in defense of the country’s national interests,” Oban said. (Also read: 86% of Filipinos favor alliances with like-minded nations to defend WPS -Stratbase poll)

He said the Philippines observes rules-based international order, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and the 2016 Arbitral Award.

“We reiterate that Bajo de Masinloc is an integral part of the Philippines and falls within the country’s maritime zones as recognized under international law,” he said.

The shoal, about 124 nautical miles from Zambales and well within the country’s EEZ, is under the control of China.

China gained control of the shoal in 2012 after a standoff with Philippine government vessels. Since then, China has prevented Filipinos from fishing near the shoal.

“The NTF-WPS is closely coordinating with relevant government agencies to monitor developments and further assess the nature, purpose, and implications of the installation and related activities within the shoal,” Oban said.

“Inter-agency efforts are ongoing to establish a complete and accurate picture of the situation,” it added.