Chinese Coast Guard Uses Water Cannon Against BFAR Vessel
On Thursday morning, a Chinese Coast Guard ship fired a water cannon and sideswiped a Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) vessel near Pagasa Cay 2 in the West Philippine Sea, according to officials from the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG). The incident took place as marine scientists aboard two BFAR vessels were conducting marine scientific research in the area.
Located less than three nautical miles from Pagasa Island, Pagasa Cay 2, also known as Sandy Cay, is a vital research site. The BFAR vessels involved were the BRP Datu Sanday and BRP Datu Pagbuaya. Around 9:30 a.m., a Chinese Coast Guard vessel with the number 21559 used a water cannon and collided twice with the BRP Datu Sanday, causing damage to its port bow and smokestack.
“This is the first time that a Philippine vessel from the BFAR experienced water cannon inside the territorial sea of Pagasa while conducting marine scientific research,” shared a Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea. He added that two Chinese Coast Guard vessels were present, but only one actively harassed the BFAR ship. Additionally, several Chinese maritime militia vessels were nearby, with two supporting the harassment.
Increased Chinese Aggression at Pagasa Cays
China’s aggressive stance around the Pagasa cays has been escalating. Earlier this year, Chinese military helicopters also harassed BFAR vessels operating near the same area. Despite these actions, Philippine authorities remain determined to continue scientific operations.
“We have sovereignty over these waters and despite their harassments and bullying, it will not stop us in doing these operations,” the PCG spokesperson emphasized. Philippine marine scientists will keep collecting sand samples, monitoring the marine environment, and conducting various studies in the contested waters.
Implications for Philippine Maritime Security
China’s continuing assertiveness in the West Philippine Sea comes despite a United Nations tribunal ruling that invalidated its expansive claims over nearly the entire South China Sea. These repeated confrontations have strengthened the Philippine government’s resolve to modernize the Armed Forces of the Philippines aggressively.
Reports indicate that the Philippine government views these incidents as critical reminders of the need to enhance maritime security and protect its sovereign rights in the region. The harassment faced by BFAR vessels underscores the complex challenges in defending Philippine territorial waters.
For more news and updates on West Philippine Sea maritime incidents, visit Filipinokami.com.