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Philippines urges China to remove new structure on disputed shoal in South China Sea

By Reuters Reuters
A satellite image shows a possible raft at the opening to Scarborough Shoal, in the South China Sea, May 30, 2026. Vantor/Handout via REUTERS
A satellite image shows a possible raft at the opening to Scarborough Shoal, in the South China Sea, May 30, 2026. Vantor/Handout via REUTERS VANTOR Reuters

MANILA - The Philippines urged China to remove a structure that has been placed on the Scarborough Shoal, saying it violates its obligations under a declaration on conduct in the region.

Philippine maritime affairs spokesperson Rogelio Villanueva said on Wednesday that the presence of the structure was without consent and therefore violated Philippine sovereignty.

China's foreign ministry on Tuesday reiterated China's "indisputable sovereignty" over the Scarborough Shoal and said China's activities there, including scientific research, are legitimate.

(Reporting by Nestor Corrales; Editing by John Mair)

A satellite image shows a possible raft at the opening to Scarborough Shoal, in the South China Sea, May 27, 2026. Vantor/Handout via REUTERS THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY. NO RESALES. NO ARCHIVES. MANDATORY CREDIT. DO NOT OBSCURE LOGO.
A satellite image shows a possible raft at the opening to Scarborough Shoal, in the South China Sea, May 27, 2026. Vantor/Handout via REUTERS THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY. NO RESALES. NO ARCHIVES. MANDATORY CREDIT. DO NOT OBSCURE LOGO. VANTOR via REUTERS

Copyright Reuters or USA Today Network via Reuters Connect.

This story was originally published June 9, 2026 at 7:57 PM.

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