Chinese Coast Guard Rams Philippine Vessel During Evacuation

Post by : Elena Malik

Photo : AFP

In a tense encounter at sea, Chinese Coast Guard boats obstructed a Philippine Coast Guard operation aimed at evacuating a sick Filipino soldier stationed on the BRP Sierra Madre, a grounded Philippine Navy vessel on Second Thomas Shoal in the disputed South China Sea. The Philippine Coast Guard, conducting a humanitarian mission, dispatched a boat on May 19 to transfer the soldier from a Philippine Navy speedboat. Despite notifying the China Coast Guard of the humanitarian nature of their mission, Chinese vessels interfered with the operation.

Videos released by the Philippine Coast Guard depict Chinese-flagged inflatable speedboats obstructing the transfer process, including bumping into the stationary Philippine vessels and shadowing their movements. Philippine Coast Guard spokesman for the West Philippine Sea, Jay Tarriela, condemned the actions of the Chinese vessels, labeling them as "dangerous maneuvers" and accusing them of intentionally ramming the Philippine Navy vessel.

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Tarriela emphasized the urgency of the medical evacuation and condemned the obstruction by the Chinese Coast Guard, asserting that their actions jeopardized the soldier's access to necessary medical attention. China's response to the incident included statements from its foreign ministry, suggesting conditional permission for the evacuation while accusing the Philippines of attempting to permanently occupy the disputed area.

Second Thomas Shoal, where the incident occurred, lies in contested waters, with Beijing asserting sovereignty over almost the entire South China Sea. The location is significant in ongoing territorial disputes between China and neighboring countries, particularly the Philippines. Despite international rulings rejecting China's claims, Beijing continues to assert its dominance through aggressive actions and militarization of artificial islands.

The encounter underscores the persistent tensions in the region, characterized by confrontations between Chinese and Philippine vessels. Additionally, recent incidents involving Chinese interference in Philippine maritime activities, including the seizure of supplies airdropped to Filipino troops stationed on the Sierra Madre, further exacerbate tensions.

President Ferdinand Marcos of the Philippines reaffirmed his country's commitment to defending its sovereignty in the face of Chinese pressure during a security forum in Singapore. The incident highlights the ongoing challenges in the South China Sea and the Philippines' determination to assert its rights despite Chinese opposition.

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