Chinese embassy protests Japanese envoy’s remarks on boat ramming

MANILA, Philippines — The Chinese embassy in Manila has sent a diplomatic note of protest to the Japanese embassy for the remarks of its ambassador on Sunday’s ramming of a Philippine ship by China Coast Guard vessels in Escoda (Sabina) Shoal.

China’s increasing attacks against Philippine vessels sparked condemnation.

The Chinese embassy yesterday singled out Japanese Ambassador Kazuya Endo for posting on X a video of a CCG vessel and calling the incident “another unacceptable development around Sabina Shoal.”

“We have taken note of the Japanese Ambassador’s irresponsible remarks and have issued a diplomatic note of protest to the Japanese Embassy in the Philippines,” the embassy spokesperson said in a statement.

Whenever incidents occur in the South China Sea, the spokesperson said the Japanese ambassador always does not fail to give instant high-profile responses that ignore the facts and contain unwarranted accusations against China.

“We can’t help but ask, does he not need some time to understand the facts and truth of the incidents, even if he were a judge or arbitrator of some sort?

His unprincipled criticisms and habitual bias, driven by ‘political correctness’ can hardly contribute to upholding a rules-based international order,” the spokesperson said.

Japan opposed China’s dangerous actions which increase tensions and undermine the safety of Philippine activities.

“Another unacceptable development around Sabina Shoal. Any harassment & actions which increase tensions or obstruct freedom of navigation are not tolerated. Upholding a rules-based int’l order and adhering to commitments must prevail,” the Japanese ambassador wrote on X.

Endo urged China to uphold rules-based order and peaceful settlement of disputes based on international law.

The issue concerning the South China Sea, the Japanese Foreign Ministry earlier said, is directly related to the peace and stability of the region and is a legitimate concern of the international community.

On Sunday, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources vessel BRP Datu Sanday encountered aggressive and dangerous maneuvers from eight Chinese maritime forces while operating from Hasa-Hasa (Half Moon) Shoal to