MANILA, Philippines: The National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS) confirmed on Tuesday that, aside from executing dangerous blocking maneuvers against a Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) ship which caused a minor collision, the China Coast Guard (CCG) also used water cannons that injured several crew members of the resupply boats.
The NTF-WPS stated that two CCG vessels, 21555 and 21551, simultaneously used water cannons against the civilian contracted ship, Unaizah May 4 (UM4). This resulted in the shattering of the ship’s windshield and injuries to at least four of its personnel.
The injured crew members of UM4 were promptly treated by PCG personnel from BRP Sindangan. Due to the damage and injuries sustained, UM4 was forced to return to Palawan under the escort of one of the PCG ships.
On the other hand, the second resupply ship, Unaizah May 1, successfully docked with BRP Sierra Madre and carried out the resupply mission, concluding at 10:54 a.m.
Commodore Roy Vincent Trinidad, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesman for the West Philippine Sea, described China’s aggression and violent behavior in the area as “a clear and present challenge” to the Philippine Navy.
“The situation is not normal anymore. China’s high-level aggression in the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) poses a significant challenge to the Philippine Navy in the West Philippine Sea, but we are up to the challenge,” said Trinidad.
Trinidad emphasized the historical context of China’s actions, citing the erection of markers on Philippine shoals, shallow waters, and reefs in 1992. He further noted that China’s construction and militarization of Mischief Reef in the late 1990s, along with the declaration of an Air Defense Identification System (ADIS) site, marked a shift in the environment in the West Philippine Sea.
Currently, China continues to display its power in the West Philippine Sea by deploying 4 coast guard vessels and 17 fishing ships in Bajo de Masinloc, 2 coast guard ships and 4 coast guard vessels in Ayungin Shoal, and a coast guard ship and 15 fishing vessels in Pagasa Island. This totals to 43 Chinese ships in the area. However, no Chinese vessels were spotted in the 8 other Philippine-occupied features in the West Philippine Sea.
Despite these challenges, the AFP remains committed to ensuring the integrity of Philippine territories. Commodore Trinidad affirmed their dedication to the mandate of not giving up “a square inch” of Philippine territory, stating, “The Philippine Navy and the armed forces remain committed to ensuring that our mandate will be performed, especially in the West Philippine Sea.”
The ongoing aggression and actions of China in the West Philippine Sea raise concerns not only for the Philippines but also for the international community. The use of water cannons and dangerous blocking maneuvers by the China Coast Guard not only violated international maritime laws but also endangered the lives of innocent civilians.
With the Philippines asserting its sovereignty over the West Philippine Sea and seeking support from its allies, it is crucial for the international community to condemn China’s aggressive behavior. The actions of China not only disrupt the stability and peace in the region but also undermine the rules-based international order.
Efforts must be made to address this issue diplomatically and through multilateral cooperation. The Philippines, along with other affected countries, should continue to engage in dialogue and seek peaceful resolutions to the territorial disputes in the West Philippine Sea.
In conclusion, China’s aggression in the West Philippine Sea poses a clear and present challenge to the Philippine Navy and the integrity of Philippine territories. The international community must stand together in condemning these actions and support the Philippines in its pursuit of a peaceful and rules-based resolution to the territorial disputes in the region.
Source: The Manila Times
