The Philippines strongly condemned China on Friday following a dangerous incident in the South China Sea. A Chinese coast guard ship came within 3 feet of colliding with a Philippine patrol ship near Second Thomas Shoal, which both countries claim. This incident has increased concerns about potential territorial disputes escalating into a larger crisis involving the United States, the Philippines’ treaty ally.
Commodore Jay Tarriela, spokesperson for the Philippine coast guard, described it as a violation of international law and collision regulations. He credited the quick actions of the Philippine patrol ship, BRP Sindangan, which rapidly reversed its engine to avoid a collision with the Chinese ship that crossed its bow at a mere meter’s distance.
A Chinese coast guard ship, left, with a Chinese militia vessel, right, blocks Philippine coast guard ship, BRP Sindangan as it tried to head towards Second Thomas Shoal at the disputed South China Sea during rotation and resupply mission on Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2023. (AP Photo/Joeal Calupitan)
Journalists, including those from The Associated Press, were present during the near-collision as part of a Philippine coast guard strategy to expose Chinese aggressive actions in the South China Sea.
The Chinese coast guard claimed that the Philippine vessels entered the waters without permission and opposed the transport of building materials to the “grounded” military boat. The blockade led to an eight-hour standoff between the Chinese and Philippine coast guards.
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Denial of responsibility! Vigour Times is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
