The Philippine task force on South China Sea issues confirmed the removal of the structure, which Manila had earlier described as a movable platform likely deployed by Chinese research vessels operating in the area.

“While we take note of the removal, we reiterate our principled and unyielding position: Bajo de Masinloc is and will always be an integral part of Philippine territory,” the task force said in a statement, using the Philippine name for the shoal.

The task force said the Philippines possesses “indivisible, incontrovertible and longstanding sovereignty” over the feature, located about 200 kilometers west of the Philippine coast and approximately 874 kilometers from China’s Hainan Island.

Manila further asserted that only the Philippines has the right to construct structures, conduct activities and undertake marine scientific research within the shoal and its territorial waters. It called on foreign entities to comply with international law and refrain from actions that infringe upon Philippine sovereignty.

The platform was first observed near the entrance of the shoal in late May before later being detected inside the lagoon. Philippine authorities said the structure consisted of wooden planks forming a central deck surrounded by cylindrical flotation devices secured around its perimeter.

The Philippines previously lodged a diplomatic protest with Beijing over the platform’s presence, viewing it as part of activities conducted without Manila’s authorization.

China’s Foreign Ministry maintained its claim over the disputed feature, known in China as Huangyan Island. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said on Wednesday that the structure formed part of a program of “comprehensive research” being carried out in the South China Sea.

Lin said the activities were conducted within China’s sovereign rights and that other countries had no authority to interfere.

The episode adds to longstanding tensions between Manila and Beijing over competing territorial claims in the South China Sea, one of the world’s most strategically important waterways.

Relations between the two countries have faced additional strain in recent weeks after China imposed sanctions on Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro and several of his close relatives over what Beijing described as “erroneous remarks” regarding China. Teodoro responded by saying he would continue performing his duties despite what he characterized as Beijing’s “wickedness.”

China has maintained a regular presence of coast guard and maritime militia vessels around Scarborough Shoal since gaining effective control of the area in 2012 following a standoff with the Philippines.

The sovereignty dispute remains unresolved. In 2016, an international arbitral tribunal in The Hague ruled largely in favor of the Philippines, finding that China’s actions around the shoal violated international law and determining that the area constituted a traditional fishing ground used by multiple countries. Beijing has rejected the ruling and continues to assert what it describes as indisputable sovereignty over the shoal and surrounding waters.

The Japanese destroyer sailed through the strait from early morning to late afternoon, according to a statement by a Chinese military spokesperson, who said naval and air forces were deployed to observe the vessel throughout its passage.

Japan’s Self-Defense Forces declined to comment on the transit. The passage comes against the backdrop of heightened regional tensions over Taiwan, which claims as its territory despite opposition from ’s government.

Beijing considers the Taiwan issue a core national interest and frequently characterizes it as a “red line” in diplomatic relations. It also asserts sovereignty over the strait, a key international shipping route, and has responded strongly to foreign naval movements in the area.

China’s foreign ministry spokesperson said at a press briefing that the transit represented a “display of force” and accused Japan of compounding earlier tensions with what he described as “mistakes upon mistakes.” He added that China had lodged formal diplomatic protests with Tokyo.

Relations between the two countries have deteriorated in recent months, particularly after remarks by Japanese Prime Minister suggesting that a potential Chinese attack on Taiwan could trigger a Japanese military response.

China’s military had previously tracked a foreign naval transit through the strait in February, when an Australian warship sailed the same route, according to state-backed media reports. The latest incident underscores persistent friction over freedom of navigation and sovereignty claims in one of Asia’s most strategically sensitive waterways.

An individual claiming to be an active-duty officer of the Japan Self-Defense Forces scaled a wall and entered the Chinese Embassy in Tokyo earlier in the day, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said at a regular press briefing.

Lin said the individual admitted the act was illegal and threatened to kill Chinese diplomatic personnel “in the name of God,” prompting what Beijing described as shock and concern over the safety of its staff.

China called on Japan to conduct a thorough investigation, hold those responsible accountable and ensure the security of Chinese embassies and consulates.

JJapan’s defence ministry did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding the incident or the alleged affiliation of the individual involved.

The incident comes against a backdrop of deteriorating relations between China and Japan. Tensions have risen since Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi suggested that a potential Chinese attack on Taiwan could prompt a military response from Tokyo.

Japan is also expected to downgrade its description of bilateral ties in an upcoming diplomatic report, citing a series of confrontations over the past year, while Beijing has reiterated calls for Tokyo to withdraw what it views as provocative remarks.