Manila, August 12 – The Philippines on Tuesday lodged strong protests over what it described as “dangerous maneuvers and unlawful interference” by Chinese vessels during a Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) supply mission to fishermen in the disputed Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea.
According to the Philippine foreign ministry, three PCG vessels were dispatched on Monday to deliver supplies, including fuel and ice, to dozens of Filipino fishermen operating near the atoll when they encountered “hazardous” and “blocking” actions from Chinese ships. The ministry said these actions endangered Philippine personnel and vessels and culminated in a collision between two Chinese vessels—the first known incident of its kind in the area.
PCG footage showed a Chinese Coast Guard vessel trailing a PCG ship before a Chinese navy vessel abruptly crossed its path, colliding with it and damaging the forecastle.
“Our assessment is that the real objective of the PLA Navy ship was to ram our Coast Guard vessel. That is also the assessment of the Philippine Coast Guard,” Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff General Romeo Brawner told reporters.
International Reaction
The incident drew swift condemnation from the United States, a treaty ally of the Philippines. “We condemn this latest reckless action by China directed against a Philippine vessel and commend the Philippine Coast Guard for their professionalism and their offer to render assistance,” U.S. Ambassador to Manila MaryKay Carlson posted on X.
China’s coast guard, however, asserted on Monday that it had taken “necessary measures” to expel Philippine vessels from the shoal’s waters. Beijing’s defence ministry and embassy in Manila have not yet responded to requests for comment.
Rising Tensions in the South China Sea
The confrontation adds to a string of recent flashpoints between Manila and Beijing over contested territories in the South China Sea. A 2016 international arbitral tribunal ruling invalidated China’s expansive maritime claims, declaring them without legal basis under international law—a decision Beijing rejects.
PCG spokesperson Jay Tarriela said the Philippine side had offered medical and search-and-rescue assistance to the Chinese crew via radio, but received no response. There has been no confirmation of any Chinese injuries.
“Yesterday’s incident demonstrates the importance of adhering to international maritime rules,” the foreign ministry stated, reaffirming the Philippines’ commitment to diplomacy and dialogue in resolving disputes.
Rear Admiral Roy Trinidad, the Philippine Navy’s spokesperson for the South China Sea, warned that such confrontations could recur as long as China persisted with what he described as “illegal, coercive, aggressive and deceptive” activities in the strategic waterway.
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