Philippines Condemns China Coast Guard Aggressive Actions in West Philippine Sea
The Philippines has voiced serious concerns over the recent aggressive actions and unlawful interference by the China Coast Guard against Philippine civilian vessels in the West Philippine Sea. The exact 4-word keyphrase “China Coast Guard aggressive actions” highlights the ongoing tension in the region.
According to sources familiar with the matter, the National Maritime Council (NMC) described these incidents as deeply regrettable. The Philippines’ lawful and routine maritime activities were met with coercion, unsafe maneuvers, and misleading information.
On May 21, two vessels from the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR), the BRP Datu Sanday (MMOV 3002) and BRP Datu Pagbuaya (MMOV 3003), were conducting a marine scientific research mission near Pag-asa Cay 2 (Sandy Cay). The vessels were carrying out routine sampling and data collection to support national food security, fisheries management, and marine environmental protection programs.
Details of the Incident Involving China Coast Guard Aggressive Actions
During this mission, the DA-BFAR vessels were aggressively shadowed, blocked, sprayed with water cannons, and sideswiped by China Coast Guard ship CCG 21559, with support from CCG 5103 and two maritime militia vessels. The NMC emphasized that this confrontation occurred within Philippine territorial waters around Pag-asa Island and Pag-asa Cay 2, which are part of the country’s Kalayaan Island Group.
The Philippines asserts longstanding sovereignty and jurisdiction over these areas. The NMC condemned these acts as deliberate interference and intimidation that violate Philippine sovereignty and breach international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
“Appropriate diplomatic actions, multilateral cooperation, and maritime capacity-building will be undertaken and sustained to ensure the safety and effectiveness of Philippine maritime operations,” the NMC added.
Despite the tension, the Philippines affirmed its commitment to peaceful dispute resolution while continuing to exercise its rights and protect its maritime interests through civilian agencies like the DA-BFAR.
China’s Response to the Incident
On the other hand, Chinese officials labeled the Philippine maritime operation as illegal activities near China’s claimed reefs of Zhubi Jiao and Tiexian Jiao. They blamed the Philippines for the incident, stating the operation proceeded without China’s approval.
China accused the Philippine vessels of entering Chinese-claimed waters unlawfully, with some personnel reportedly landing on Tiexian Jiao. A spokesperson for the China Coast Guard claimed their forces responded professionally and legally but accused a Philippine ship of dangerously approaching a Chinese vessel, causing a collision. According to Chinese statements, the Philippines bears full responsibility for the incident.
China insists on its sovereignty over the Nansha Qundao and surrounding waters, accusing the Philippines of violating regional agreements and undermining peace and stability. They urged the Philippines to stop such actions, warning that the China Coast Guard will continue enforcing its claims.
International Reactions Supporting the Philippines
Several international actors expressed concern over the China Coast Guard aggressive actions. A senior U.S. diplomat expressed support for the Philippines, condemning the reckless behavior that endangered lives and threatened regional stability. She emphasized standing with allies to uphold international law and maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific region.
The New Zealand Embassy called the use of water cannons and vessel contact near Sandy Cay troubling, highlighting the importance of resolving maritime disputes peacefully under UNCLOS for regional stability.
Australia’s ambassador echoed deep concerns over China’s dangerous maneuvers, stressing the need to respect international law, particularly UNCLOS, to protect lives and regional peace.
Canada also condemned China’s coercive tactics, including water cannon use and ramming of Philippine vessels conducting scientific research, calling these acts intimidation.
The United Kingdom similarly denounced China’s aggression, warning that such actions risk lives and escalate tensions. The UK ambassador urged respect for international law and the 2016 arbitral award.
Looking Ahead: Upholding Sovereignty and Peace
The Philippines plans to pursue diplomatic efforts and strengthen maritime capabilities to safeguard its interests and ensure the safety of lawful operations in the West Philippine Sea. While committed to peaceful dispute resolution, the country remains firm in defending its sovereignty and supporting agencies tasked with protecting its maritime environment.
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