A Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) ship and a China Coast Guard (PCG) vessel collided Monday near Escoda Shoal in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), a Chinese official said Monday.
In a statement uploaded on the social media network Weibo, CCG spokesman Gan Yu accused two PCG warships of “illegally intruding” into waters close to the Sabina Shoal at 3:24 am.
Yu added that the PCG intentionally maneuvered dangerously near a CCG vessel on marine enforcement duties, ignoring multiple warnings from the Chinese side and resulting in the clash.
“At 03:24, the Philippine ship No. 4410 (BRP Bagacay) ignored China’s repeated solemn warnings and deliberately collided with China’s 21551 boat, which was normally safeguarding its rights and enforcing the law in an unprofessional and dangerous manner, resulting in a collision,” Gan said.
Later on, same Philippine ship “illegally intruded into the waters” close to the Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal.
Gan said the CCG also took “control measures” against the Philippine vessels.
“We urge the Philippine side to immediately stop its infringement and provocation, otherwise the Philippine side will bear all the consequences arising therefrom,” the CCG said.
Located 75 nautical miles, or around 140 kilometers, off Palawan, Escoda or Sabina Shoal falls within the 200-nautical-mile exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of the PhilippinesStationed in Escoda Shoal since April, BRP Teresa Magbanua has been there in response to claims of China’s reclamation operations in the vicinity.
Talks for deescalation notwithstanding still high levels of conflict over China’s enormous claim in the South China Sea (SCS), including the area the Philippines identifies to as the West Philippine Sea.
Declared to have “no legal basis,” an international arbitration tribunal in The Hague decided in 2016 in favor of the Philippines over China’s claims in the South China Sea.
China doesn’t acknowledge the decision. (TCSP)
