Philippine minister takes to Twitter to order diplomatic protest over Chinese ships

‘Do I have to fly home to file the goddamned diplomatic protest myself?’ Teodoro Locsin Jnr tells staff after Chinese vessels seen at shoal guarded by Filipino soldiers

Beijing is stepping up its activities in the disputed South China Sea amid a swell of patriotic pride sparked by National Day celebrations, and it wants the world to see

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A Chinese coastguard ship attempts to block a Philippine government vessel at Second Thomas Shoal in 2014. Photo: AP

Published: 9:00pm, 2 Oct 2019Updated: 1:42pm, 12 Dec 2019

Philippine foreign secretary Teodoro Locsin Jnr on Wednesday ordered via Twitter the immediate filing of a diplomatic protest against Beijing after Chinese coastguard ships reportedly strayed near a Philippine-occupied shoal in the disputed South China Sea.

Locsin, who is currently accompanying Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte on a visit to Russia, issued the usually confidential order to his officials at the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).

The top official, who has gained a reputation online for foul language, tweeted: “Do I have to fly home to file the goddamned diplomatic protest myself? That’s the military speaking. Not some friggin’ civilian media outlet. File now!!!”

Locsin’s outcry was prompted by a report on the ships to the DFA from newly installed Philippine armed forces chief of staff Noel Clement, who on Sunday said: “The mere presence there [of Chinese vessels], if there is no request for passage prior to that, will have to be reported.

“Whether it is a violation or not will be up to our Department of Foreign Affairs.”