The Department of Foreign Affairs protested the return of more than 100 Chinese vessels in and around  Julian Felipe Reef on April 4.

In a statement on Thursday, the agency said it lodged a diplomatic protest against the swarming which occurred two months ago.

The protest took place barely a year after the DFA’s initial note verbale in March 2021 when around 200 Chinese vessels were spotted in the Julian Felipe Reef.

“The lingering unauthorized presence of Chinese fishing and maritime vessels is not only illegal but is also a source of instability in the region,” the agency said.

“The persistent swarming of Chinese vessels is contrary to international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the final and binding 2016 Arbitral Award,” the DFA added.

The agency stated that the vessels’ return is a violation of China’s commitment to the 2002 Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea. China and members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations undertook to “exercise self-restraint in the conduct of activities that would complicate or escalate disputes and affect peace and stability.”

Julian Felipe Reef is a low tide elevation in the Kalayaan Island Group, which the Philippines claims as part of its territory.

“The Philippines regrets this Chinese violation of international law days before the successful April 8, 2022 telesummit between President Rodrigo R. Duterte and Chinese President Xi Jinping where the two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to solve issues of mutual concern through peaceful dialogue, and exercise restraint in any and all endeavors relating to the South China Sea,” the DFA said.

The DFA again renewed its call on China to comply with its commitments under international law, cease and desist from illegal behavior, avoid the escalation of tensions at sea, and immediately withdraw all Chinese vessels from the Philippines’ maritime zones.