Statement: On the Continuing Illegal Presence and Activities of Chinese Vessels in the Pag-asa Islands

PASAY CITY, 29 May 2021 — The Department of Foreign Affairs lodged a diplomatic protest yesterday against the incessant deployment, prolonged presence, and illegal activities of Chinese maritime assets and fishing vessels in the vicinity of the Pag-asa islands, demanding that China withdraw these vessels. The Pag-asa Islands are an integral part of the Philippines over which it has sovereignty and jurisdiction.