The recent confrontation between the Philippine Coast Guard and the China Coast Guard has escalated tensions in the disputed South China Sea. Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson Jay Tarriela presented videos during a press conference, showing the ramming incident where the China Coast Guard vessel 5205 intentionally collided with the Philippine vessel Teresa Magbanua. While the vessel sustained damage, fortunately no personnel were injured in the confrontation.
In response, Liu Dejun, a spokesperson for China’s coast guard, claimed that the Philippine ship was “illegally stranded” at the shoal and deliberately rammed the Chinese vessel after lifting anchor. He warned the Philippines to withdraw immediately or face consequences, stating that the Chinese Coast Guard would take necessary measures to safeguard territorial sovereignty and maritime rights.
Despite the aggressive actions of the Chinese coast guard, Manila remains steadfast in its decision to not withdraw its ship from the disputed area. The US ambassador to the Philippines, MaryKay Carlson, expressed Washington’s support for the Philippines as a treaty ally, condemning China’s violations of international law, including the intentional ramming incident.
The Philippines had deployed a ship to the Sabina Shoal in April, accusing China of building an artificial island in the area. Manila claimed to have evidence of dead and crushed coral on the sandbars, which Beijing denies. Additionally, the Philippine Maritime Council reported that Chinese aircraft had engaged in unsafe manoeuvres against a civilian aircraft conducting patrols over other disputed areas, the Scarborough Shoal and Subi Reef.
In a separate incident, the Philippines accused China of obstructing a routine resupply mission by ramming and using water cannons on a fisheries bureau ship transporting essential supplies for Filipino fishermen. These aggressive actions by China have heightened tensions in the region, with both parties standing their ground and asserting their claims over the disputed territories in the South China Sea. The international community, particularly the US, continues to monitor the situation closely and urge peaceful resolutions to avoid further escalation of the conflict.
