Manila: The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has formally lodged its protest against China's latest aggression in the Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal). Foreign Affairs spokesperson Ma. Teresita Daza announced this development on Thursday afternoon, stating that this diplomatic note brings the total number of notes verbales against Beijing's activities in the West Philippine Sea to 60 this year. According to Philippines News Agency, since the beginning of the Marcos administration, the DFA has filed a total of 193 protests against China. In an interview in Pasay City, DFA Secretary Enrique Manalo questioned Beijing over its repeated harassment while reaffirming Manila's position on the feature. "It's very clear, I mean we were within our legal rights," he said. "Certainly, we don't understand why China again is repeating these actions, which are clearly illegal." The incident involved the Chinese Coast Guard and a People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) vessel harassing Filipino ships while they were pat rolling near the Bajo de Masinloc. China, located some 472 nautical miles away from the shoal, claims it as part of its territory. Following the incident, several embassies, including those of the United States, Australia, Japan, France, the European Union, Canada, Germany, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, Norway, the Netherlands, Sweden, Denmark, and South Korea, expressed support for the Philippines and conveyed serious concerns over China's actions in the area. The New Zealand Embassy in Manila described the actions by the Chinese Coast Guard as "deeply worrying," emphasizing the risks posed by water cannons and contact between vessels to safety at sea and regional stability. Australia's Ambassador HK Yu called for "restraint and respect for international law," citing the dangerous maneuvers as a serious concern to Australia. Japanese Ambassador Endo Kazuya stated that Japan would continue to oppose "any actions which increase tensions," highlighting the dangers posed to ship and crew safety. France rene wed its call for respect for the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and freedom of navigation, while Denmark expressed deep concern over China's actions, stating they undermine maritime safety and international law. Canada's Global Affairs emphasized that such actions jeopardize regional peace and stability and called for peaceful dispute resolution. The South Korean Embassy reiterated the importance of upholding peace, stability, safety, and a rules-based order in the South China Sea in accordance with international law, including UNCLOS.