Calls for the government to pull out its Ambassador to China, Jaime FlorCruz, on account of recent events involving the harassment of two Philippine vessels on a resupply mission to Ayungin Shoal seem to be founded on solid ground.

It is viewed by many as a strong diplomatic response that asserts Philippine sovereignty, a move that can send a clear message to China that acts of harassment will not be tolerated. We, for one, believe that this action can serve as a deterrent that could emphasize the country's commitment to defending its territorial integrity.

Considering the potential consequences and the broader context of Philippines-China relations, such a drastic diplomatic measure can draw international attention to China's actions and foster support from the global community.

By taking a stand against Chinese aggression, the Philippines can gain diplomatic and moral support, which may increase pressure on China to abide by international law.

No less than Senator Francis Tolentino expressed strong denunciation of another water cannon attack by a Chinese Coast Guard vessel.

"This is [to show] a high level of condemnation because our embassy in Beijing will have no [chief of mission]," said Tolentino, vice chair of the Senate foreign relations committee.

"This does not mean that we are cutting our diplomatic relations (with China)," the senator clarified. "This is us telling them that 'you have really gone overboard and [it's time for you] to take notice because we have already filed hundreds of diplomatic protests."

The diplomatic protests, numbering over 400 since the time of the late President Noynoy Aquino, seemed to have fallen on deaf ears as China's bullying ways continue unabated. This could only mean one thing — Beijing would not comply with international law and respect Manila's sovereignty.

Of course, China would always turn the tables and insist that Ayungin Shoal is theirs historically because of its 9-dash line claim. The landmark arbitral ruling that Manila won in 2016 has invalidated that, and China is left clutching at straws.

However, the superpower that it is, Beijing has ignored the ruling and continues to carry out more dangerous and aggressive actions to block the Armed Forces' rotational and reprovisioning missions to marines stationed on the rusting Sierra Madre outpost at Ayungin.