Once again, the Chinese Coast Guard has been involved in dangerous maneuvers targeting Philippine Coast Guard vessels during a resupply mission to the BRP Sierra Madre.
A video released by the office of Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri captured a Chinese ship cutting through the path of a Philippine Coast Guard vessel in Ayungin Shoal.
Ayungin Shoal, located 105 nautical miles (194 kilometers) west of Palawan province in the Philippines, falls within the country’s 200-nautical-mile exclusive economic zone.
Maritime security expert Ray Powell reported that two Chinese militia ships, the Qiong Sansha Yu 00008 and 00231, came within a few meters of the PCG’s Parola-class vessels, the BRP Sindangan and the BRP Cabra.
Powell also mentioned that two other Chinese Coast Guard vessels, identified as 5201 and 21551, remained AIS-dark but were likely present and involved in the incident. AIS, or automatic identification system, is used to track transceivers on ships.
Powell further revealed that at least 12 Chinese militia ships were deployed to enforce the blockade.
Despite the Chinese blockade, Commodore Jay Tarriela, the PCG’s spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, stated in an interview that the resupply mission was successfully carried out, as depicted in the videos.
It is worth noting that China claims sovereignty over nearly the entire South China Sea, disregarding a 2016 international court ruling that invalidated its stance.
Source: PhilNews24 | October 5, 2023
