BEIJING: The Philippines and China have traded accusations over a maritime crash in the South China Sea that took place on Monday. Marking another feisty confrontation over the contested waters.
This was followed by a statement from Washington hours later stating that it had concluded joint naval maneuvers involving its treaty ally among others in the Philippine exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in addition to Japan and Canada.
China’s coast guard said that a Philippine supply vessel “deliberately and dangerously” approached a Chinese ship resulting in minor collision after an intrusion into waters near Second Thomas Shoal. Which Manila denied as being “deceptive and misleading.”
Manila declined to comment directly on the incident. But lashed out at Beijing after a Chinese coastguard statement said the Philippine transport and replenishment ship ignored China’s repeated solemn warnings.
“We do not accept the deceptive and misleading claims of CCG,” says Xerxes Trinidad. Chief of Public Affairs Office of Armed Forces of Philippines saying they will not discuss operational details of resupply missions.
Trinidad added “continued aggressive actions by CCG are escalating tensions in region.” The main issue according to Philippine military is the illegal presence and acts of Chinese vessels within their EEZ
China claims most of South China Sea, through which more than $3 trillion worth of ship-borne trade passes every year. These include areas claimed by Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei besides parts claimed by Philippines
According to Jay Tarriela spokesman for Philippine Coast Guard (PCG). They can’t give any information regarding yesterday’s incident as it wasn’t under them.
A few days ago, US Pacific Fleet announced it had just finished a two-day joint navies exercise with those from Canada. Japan and the Philippines inside Manila’s 200-mile EEZ at South China Sea.
For months now there has been exchange of words between Beijing and Manila concerning dangerous movements at Second Thomas Shoal located within Philippine EEZ.
A number of incidents have occurred when the Philippines sends resupply missions to its troops quartered on a rusty warship in the EEZ
China has already warned against any intrusions into its territorial waters by declaring new regulation effective from 15 June 2021 pursuant to a 2021. Legislation allowing its coastguard to use lethal force against foreign ships in waters it claims.
These new regulations also give China’s coastguards the powers to hold suspects without trial for two months.
On Monday, in a separate statement. Philippine also Coast Guard confirmed that they will send two vessels for patrol and ensure safety of Filipino fishermen at Scarborough Shoal. Which is about 640 kilometers away from Second Thomas Shoal.
