Title: Chinese Coast Guard Accuses Philippine Vessel of Deliberate Ramming, Holds Manila Fully Responsible
Beijing, August 31, 2024 — The Chinese Coast Guard has accused a Philippine vessel of deliberately ramming into one of its ships in the South China Sea, placing full responsibility on the Philippine side. In a statement released by the Chinese state news agency Xinhua, the spokesperson for the Chinese Coast Guard, Liu Dejun, detailed the incident that took place on August 31.
According to Liu, at 08:02 local time, the Philippine Coast Guard vessel 9701, which had been illegally lingering at the Xuanbin Reef in the Nansha Islands, set sail and began to maneuver within the reef’s lagoon. The vessel was accused of continuously provoking incidents and causing trouble. In response, the Chinese Coast Guard ship 5205, which was conducting routine law enforcement operations, issued warnings and maintained surveillance over the Philippine vessel.
The situation escalated at 12:06 when the Philippine vessel 9701 deliberately rammed into the 5205 with an unprofessional and dangerous manner, resulting in a collision. The responsibility for this incident lies entirely with the Philippine side, Liu stated.
The incident underscores the ongoing tensions in the region over territorial claims in the South China Sea. China asserts sovereignty over the entire Nansha Islands and their adjacent waters, a claim that is not recognized by several neighboring countries, including the Philippines.
Liu warned the Philippine side to face reality and abandon any illusions. The only correct course of action for the Philippine side is to immediately withdraw on its own. Do not misjudge the situation, create tensions, or escalate the situation, as any consequences arising from such actions will be borne by the Philippine side, he said.
The Chinese Coast Guard emphasized that China’s sovereignty over the Xuanbin Reef and the broader Nansha Islands is无可争辩 (unquestionable). The Chinese Coast Guard will take necessary measures to firmly frustrate any provocative actions and infringing activities, and resolutely safeguard national territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, Liu added.
The incident has drawn international attention and raised concerns about the potential for further escalation. Analysts note that such confrontations highlight the need for diplomatic solutions and adherence to international laws, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), to resolve disputes in the region.
In a separate development, the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Hua Chunying, echoed the Coast Guard’s sentiments during a routine press briefing. China’s determination to safeguard its sovereignty and maritime rights and interests is firm and unshakable, she stated. We urge the Philippine side to exercise restraint and avoid any actions that may complicate the situation.
The Philippine government has yet to issue an official statement regarding the incident. However, local media reports suggest that the Philippine Coast Guard has denied the allegations of deliberate ramming and maintains that the collision was accidental.
As tensions simmer, the international community watches closely, hoping for a peaceful resolution to the dispute. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the complexities and challenges involved in managing maritime conflicts in one of the world’s most strategically important waterways.
For more updates, follow our continuous coverage on the South China Sea disputes and regional security issues.
Views: 0