The Philippine Coast Guard has recently accused Chinese vessels of engaging in “dangerous” maneuvers during a nine-day patrol near a reef off the coast of the country. The patrol was conducted by the Philippine vessel BRP Teresa Magbanua in early February, with the aim of ensuring the safety of Filipino fishermen and delivering provisions to them in the waters around Scarborough Shoal, a rich fishing ground in the South China Sea.
Scarborough Shoal has been a contentious area between the Philippines and China since 2012 when China seized control of it. Since then, China has deployed patrol boats that allegedly harass Philippine vessels and prevent Filipino fishermen from accessing the lagoon where fish are abundant.
According to the Philippine Coast Guard, China Coast Guard (CCG) vessels performed dangerous and blocking maneuvers at sea against the BRP Teresa Magbanua on four occasions, with the CCG vessels crossing the bow of the Philippine Coast Guard vessel twice. Additionally, the Philippine Coast Guard reported being shadowed by four China Coast Guard vessels on more than 40 occasions. The Coast Guard also observed the presence of four Chinese Maritime Militia vessels.
Videos released by the Philippine Coast Guard depict a China Coast Guard vessel coming within meters of the BRP Teresa Magbanua before crossing its path. Despite these actions, the Philippine Coast Guard maintained professionalism and engaged with both the CCG and CMM vessels through radio, reiterating the Philippines’ clear and principled position in accordance with international law.
The incidents near Scarborough Shoal occurred just two months after tense standoffs between China and the Philippines around disputed reefs in the South China Sea. These standoffs involved collisions between vessels from both countries and Chinese ships using water cannons against Philippine boats.
China’s claims to almost the entire South China Sea have been challenged by an international tribunal ruling that found no legal basis for its assertions. However, China has continued to deploy boats to patrol the area and has constructed artificial islands that have been militarized to strengthen its claims.
In response to the recent events, Chinese and Philippine officials have acknowledged the need for closer dialogue to address “maritime emergencies” in the South China Sea as tensions escalate.
In a related development, the Chinese Foreign Ministry criticized the Philippines’ plans to increase its military presence in Batanes Island, which faces Taiwan. The Department of National Defense in the Philippines responded by stating that China has no right to meddle in Philippine internal affairs and that it is the mandate of the Department to secure the sovereignty of the state and the integrity of the national territory.
As part of its efforts to address territorial defense, the Philippine government is formulating a comprehensive archipelagic defense concept. This concept aims to strengthen the defense capabilities of the country and ensure the protection of its territorial integrity.
The recent incidents near Scarborough Shoal highlight the ongoing tensions between the Philippines and China in the South China Sea. The Philippine Coast Guard’s accusations of dangerous maneuvers by Chinese vessels underscore the need for continued dialogue and adherence to international law to prevent further escalation of conflicts in the region.
Source: The Manila Times
