Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto “Gibo” Teodoro Jr. has called China’s recent actions against Philippine vessels in Ayungin Shoal “irresponsible” and a “violation of maritime safety.”
Teodoro said that while the Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) did not use water cannons against the Philippine vessels this time, they performed more dangerous maneuvers, such as cutting across the Philippine ships’ paths and blocking their way.
The CCG’s actions were condemned by the National Task Force West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS), which said that they were “illegal, aggressive, and destabilizing.”
China has claimed Ayungin Shoal, which is part of the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone and has repeatedly harassed Philippine vessels in the area.
The latest incident occurred on Friday when the CCG again maneuvered dangerously against Philippine ships that were conducting a resupply mission to BRP Sierra Madre, a Philippine warship that has been grounded at Ayungin Shoal since 1999.
The CCG said that it was “strictly warning, tracking, monitoring, and effectively regulating” the Philippine vessels, but the NTF-WPS said that the CCG’s actions were a clear violation of international law.
The Philippines has called on China to stop its illegal activities in the West Philippine Sea and to respect the country’s sovereignty.
The United States has also expressed concern about China’s actions in the region and has urged China to “refrain from further militarization” of the South China Sea.
The latest incident is a reminder of the ongoing tensions between China and the Philippines in the West Philippine Sea. The two countries have competing claims to the waters, which are believed to be rich in oil and gas resources.
The Philippines has repeatedly called on China to resolve the dispute peacefully through negotiations, but China has refused to do so.
The latest incident is likely to further strain relations between China and the Philippines. It remains to be seen how the two countries will resolve the dispute in the West Philippine Sea.
Source: PhilNews24 | September 11, 2023
