According to Vice Admiral Alberto Carlos, the Western Command Commander, most of the Chinese vessels involved in the harassment of Philippine ships at Ayungin Shoal on Tuesday have now left. As of Thursday, only one China Coast Guard (CCG) ship and two militia ships remained near Ayungin Shoal, a significant decrease from the 26 vessels present during the incident.
It is important to note that not all 26 vessels participated in the dangerous blocking maneuvers and water cannoning of the supply boat. However, one of the Chinese vessels did collide with and slightly damage a Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) ship. Vice Admiral Carlos was among the four Navy personnel aboard the PCG ship who sustained injuries when a high-pressure jet of water fired by a Chinese vessel shattered a glass casing, causing pieces of glass to hit him.
Vice Admiral Carlos explained that the number of Chinese vessels near Ayungin Shoal tends to increase during resupply missions. The Philippines maintains a military station on the derelict Navy ship BPS Sierra Madre, deliberately grounded near the shoal. However, Vice Admiral Carlos confirmed that most of the Chinese vessels have now left, returning to their usual number near Ayungin Shoal.
Despite the incident, Vice Admiral Carlos emphasized that the morale of his men remains high. He stated, “The morale of men, it’s still very high and their commitment to their (mandate) is unwavering. We will continue doing our operation in the West Philippine Sea, particularly at Ayungin Shoal.” He also highlighted that they will follow the instruction of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to keep the BRP Sierra Madre stationed at Ayungin Shoal and continue flying the Philippine flag.
Wescom, the Western Command, will continue conducting patrols and exercising sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction in the West Philippine Sea, according to Vice Admiral Carlos. China has been demanding that the Philippines remove the ship from the shoal, claiming that Philippine authorities had previously committed to doing so. However, Vice Admiral Carlos affirmed, “That is the guidance so we will comply with that. We will do everything so BRP Sierra Madre will remain at Ayungin Shoal. That is a symbol of our sovereignty in the area.”
During his visit to Australia, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. reiterated his commitment to protect Philippine territory from any foreign power. He stated, “The challenges that we face may be formidable, but equally formidable is our resolve. We will not yield.” Manila has accused Beijing of aggressive actions within its exclusive economic zone (EEZ). In 2016, an international arbitration tribunal in The Hague rejected China’s claims over almost the entire South China Sea, including the waters covered by the EEZ.
Showing support for the Philippines, Marshall Islands President Hilda Heine met with President Marcos Jr. and expressed concern over China’s aggression in the West Philippine Sea. She urged the Philippine leader to consider coordinating with the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) and suggested reaching out to the forum for support. The Philippines views the PIF as an important platform for enhancing cooperation with Pacific Island countries.
President Heine emphasized that China’s actions in the region are a concern not only for the Philippines but also for the Pacific Island countries, who seek a secure region. Cooperation and coordination among nations in addressing China’s aggression in the West Philippine Sea are crucial for maintaining peace and stability in the region.
In conclusion, while most of the Chinese vessels involved in the harassment incident at Ayungin Shoal have departed, tensions in the West Philippine Sea persist. The Philippine Navy remains committed to protecting its sovereignty and conducting operations in the area. The support of international partners, such as the Marshall Islands and the Pacific Islands Forum, is crucial in addressing China’s aggressive actions and ensuring a secure region for all.
Source: The Manila Times
