Following the “dangerous maneuvers” of two Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) warships in the West Philippine Sea on Sunday, the Philippines lodged another diplomatic protest against China on Monday, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).
This occurs one day following the incident between two CCG vessels, a Philippine Coast Guard vessel, and a supply vessel contracted by AFP that was returning supplies to the BRP Sierra Madre that was anchored in Ayungin Shoal.
According to the DFA, it will utilize every diplomatic channel at its disposal.
Speaking at a press conference, DFA spokesperson Teresita Daza stated, “We are always hopeful that China will act as a responsible member of the international community and that it will respect our sovereignty and our sovereign rights.”
She went on, “It will act and do so if it wants to be a responsible member of the international community.”
Tensions erupted on October 22, during the normal rotation and resupply mission to the BRP Sierra Madre stationed at Ayungin Shoal. Two CCG vessels engaged in a “dangerous maneuver,” resulting in a collision with the supply boat Unaiza May 2, which was chartered by the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
The Philippine vessel disregarded “multiple warnings and deliberately passed through law enforcement in an unprofessional and dangerous manner,” according to China, which placed the blame for the disaster on the Philippines.
On the other hand, the AFP managed to record the bow of the CCG ship briefly making contact with the stern of the resupply vessel. Although the video does not show any damage, the incident brought attention to the tense meeting as the Philippine warship continued her voyage.
“There is no proof to back up China’s allegations. The Unaiza May 2 were moving in a regular direction when the Chinese Coast Guard Vessel blocked their path. Jonathan Malaya, a spokesman for the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea, said in a press conference, “It’s like they were pulled out of thin air.”
Malaya added, referring to China’s accusations, “I think that kind of statement collapses in the face of overwhelming evidence.”
Although Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian is currently abroad, another embassy official filled in for him, the DFA announced that it had called the Chinese ambassador.
