Manila/Shanghai: A fresh altercation erupted in the disputed waters of the South China Sea on Saturday as China’s coast guard asserted control over Philippine vessels, prompting sharp criticism from the Philippine coast guard, labeling the actions as “irresponsible and provocative”.
The incident unfolded in the Second Thomas Shoal and Spratly Islands waters, as reported by the Chinese Coast Guard. The Second Thomas Shoal is home to a contingent of Filipino troops stationed on a warship grounded there in 1999 to reinforce the Philippines’ sovereignty claims.
Despite being within the Philippines’ 200-mile exclusive economic zone, China claims almost the entirety of the South China Sea, including the Second Thomas Shoal. The Permanent Court of Arbitration ruled in 2016 that China’s expansive claims lack a legal foundation.
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According to a statement from the Philippine armed forces, a civilian boat was enlisted to resupply the troops earlier in the week, escorted by two Philippine navy ships and two coast guard vessels.
However, a Philippine coast guard vessel encountered interference from one Chinese coast guard vessel and two Chinese maritime militia vessels, leading to isolation from the resupply boat, as stated by the Philippine Coast Guard. This action, deemed “irresponsible and provocative” by the Philippine coast guard, resulted in the disregard of international maritime regulations.
Gan Yu, a spokesperson for China’s coast guard, accused the Philippines of reneging on a promise to remove the grounded vessel, further alleging that two coast guard ships and a supply ship breached the waters of Second Thomas Shoal, violating previously established supply schedules.
China’s foreign ministry issued a warning, asserting that the Philippines’ unilateral actions jeopardize regional peace and stability. The ministry emphasized China’s commitment to safeguarding territorial sovereignty and maritime rights, signaling a firm stance against perceived provocations.
Amid escalating tensions, both nations remain entrenched in their positions, raising concerns about the potential for further clashes in the volatile South China Sea.
