Philippines warns China of diplomatic consequences over alleged wiretapping of senior navy officer

Carlos is the head of the Philippines Navy’s Western Command, which oversees the country’s maritime interests in the West Philippine Sea – Manila’s term for the section of the South China Sea that defines its maritime territory and includes its exclusive economic zone.

On Wednesday, Senator Francis Tolentino filed the resolution to initiate an investigation into the alleged 12-minute phone call, in which Carlos supposedly agreed to Beijing’s protocols regarding resupply missions to the Philippines outpost on the Second Thomas Shoal, a reef among the contested Spratly Islands that lies within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone.

The key point of the alleged deal is a “1+1” format for both sides, meaning Manila would only deploy one Philippine coastguard vessel and a resupply boat to the shoal, while China would only launch one coastguard ship and a fishing boat in response. At the same time, Manila would be required to notify Beijing two days in advance of any resupply missions – which could only deliver food and water – to the troops manning the outpost.

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Philippines seeks expulsion of Beijing diplomats over South China Sea wiretapping controversy

“It is regrettable that China is engaging in doubletalk, criticising the Philippines for alleged non-adherence to basic norms of international exchanges but has the audacity to wiretap while on Philippine soil,” Tolentino’s resolution reads.

Should the alleged wiretapping violation prove true, Tolentino said he would demand that China formally apologise to the Philippines and its officials waive their diplomatic immunity to face sanctions.

“We can declare them persona non grata … meaning we have to deport them. Or it can lead to the Department of Foreign affairs calling for