In a recent escalation of tensions, the Philippines has summoned a Chinese envoy to address what it describes as “aggressive actions” undertaken by the China Coast Guard and other vessels near a reef off the Southeast Asian country’s coast. This move comes as Beijing lodged its own complaint, reflecting the ongoing maritime territorial disputes between the two nations in the South China Sea.
The incident occurred on Saturday near Second Thomas Shoal in the Spratly Islands during a routine Philippine mission to resupply Filipino troops stationed on the BRP Sierra Madre, a navy ship grounded in the area. The Philippines reported that the China Coast Guard obstructed its supply vessel and inflicted damage using water cannon, resulting in injuries to three soldiers.
China’s response to these accusations characterized its actions as “lawful regulation, interception and expulsion” of a foreign vessel attempting to intrude forcefully into Chinese waters.
Furthermore, China’s embassy in the Philippines lodged a complaint regarding what it deemed as “illegal intrusion” by Philippine ships into its territorial waters.
Second Thomas Shoal, where the incident unfolded, lies approximately 200 kilometers (120 miles) from the western Philippine island of Palawan and over 1,000 kilometers from China’s nearest major landmass, Hainan Island.
The Department of Foreign Affairs of the Philippines conveyed its strong protest against the aggressive actions of the China Coast Guard and Chinese Maritime Militia, particularly during the rotation and resupply mission in Ayungin Shoal, the Filipino term for Second Thomas Shoal. Similar protests were lodged by the Philippine embassy in Beijing with the Chinese foreign ministry.
The Philippines emphasized that China has no rightful presence in Ayungin Shoal and demanded the immediate withdrawal of Chinese vessels from the vicinity, including the Philippine exclusive economic zone.
This incident underscores the ongoing tensions between the two nations despite earlier agreements on the need for closer dialogue to manage maritime emergencies in the South China Sea. The Philippines also raised concerns about China’s sincerity in reducing tensions and promoting peace and stability in the region.
The damaged vessel and its escorts managed to complete their mission of delivering supplies and personnel to the Filipino outpost, despite the confrontation.
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