China Coast Guard Vessels Clash with Philippine Ships in the South China Sea
China Coast Guard (CCG) vessels fired water cannons at two Philippine ships on Tuesday, resulting in damage to one of them, during a patrol near Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal), according to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG). The incident took place in the South China Sea, where Manila and Beijing have a long history of territorial disputes.
Territorial Disputes and Tensions in the South China Sea
The South China Sea has been a source of tension between China and its neighboring countries, particularly the Philippines. This latest clash is just one of many incidents involving Filipino and Chinese vessels in recent months. The use of water cannons by the China Coast Guard has become a common tactic in these disputes.
Scarborough Shoal: A Potential Flashpoint
The recent clash occurred near Scarborough Shoal, a disputed area that has become a potential flashpoint in the South China Sea. China has maintained control over the shoal since seizing it from the Philippines in 2012. The Philippines, along with other neighboring countries, disputes China’s claim and asserts its own sovereignty over the area.
The PCG statement highlighted the forceful water pressure used by the China Coast Guard in their harassment of the Philippine vessels. The damage caused serves as evidence of the aggressive tactics employed by the CCG.
Furthermore, the CCG had reinstalled a 380-meter barrier across the entrance to the shoal, effectively blocking access to the waters inside. This barrier obstructs Filipino fishermen from accessing the fish-rich lagoon, further escalating tensions in the region.
China’s Assertive Claims in the South China Sea
China’s claims in the South China Sea have been a point of contention among neighboring countries and the international community. China asserts its sovereignty over almost the entire South China Sea, disregarding rival claims from other countries, including the Philippines. An international ruling has declared China’s assertion to have no legal basis.
The triangular chain of reefs and rocks that make up Scarborough Shoal lies 240 kilometers west of Luzon and nearly 900 kilometers from Hainan, the nearest major Chinese landmass. This geographical context highlights the distance between China’s mainland and the disputed area.
China’s deployment of the Coast Guard and other vessels in the South China Sea has been a cause of concern for the Philippines. Manila accuses China of harassing Philippine ships and preventing Filipino fishermen from accessing the abundant fishing grounds near Scarborough Shoal.
Philippines and the United States Joint Military Exercise
The clash between the China Coast Guard and Philippine ships occurred while the Philippines and the United States were conducting a major annual military exercise. This exercise has drawn criticism from Beijing, which perceives it as a provocation.
In response to the latest water cannon attack, China warned the Philippines to cease their “provocative actions.” The Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman emphasized China’s firm determination to safeguard its sovereignty and advised the Philippines to respect it.
Philippine Vessels Stand Their Ground
During the incident, a vessel from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) and another from the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) were delivering fuel and food to fishermen near Scarborough Shoal. The PCG statement reported dangerous maneuvers and obstruction by four China Coast Guard vessels and six Chinese maritime militia vessels.
The China Coast Guard vessels used water cannons against the BFAR and Philippine Coast Guard boats. One of the Chinese vessels intentionally collided with the BFAR ship, causing damage to its railing and canopy. Despite the harassment and provocative actions, both the PCG and BFAR vessels stood their ground and continued their maritime patrol.
This is not the first time the Philippines has encountered barriers placed by China in the waters near Scarborough Shoal. In a similar mission in September, Philippine Coast Guard personnel discovered a floating barrier obstructing the entrance to the shoal. In response, they cut the rope tethering the barrier to an anchor, allowing it to drift away.
Philippine President’s Stance on Defending Sovereign Territory
Since taking office in 2022, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has been vocal about defending the Philippines’ sovereign territory and standing up to China’s assertiveness in the South China Sea. The Philippines has consistently asserted its rights and will not yield in the face of China’s growing presence in the region.
The recent clash between the China Coast Guard and Philippine ships serves as a reminder of the ongoing territorial disputes in the South China Sea. The use of water cannons and the installation of barriers by China further escalate tensions in the region. The international community continues to monitor the situation as countries navigate the complexities of maritime disputes and assert their respective claims in the South China Sea.
Source: The Manila Times
