The Philippines yesterday accused the Chinese coast guard of “dangerous harassment” of Philippine boats in the disputed South China Sea, including firing a water cannon and blocking vessels on a resupply mission.
The incident happened during a Philippine mission to deliver provisions to a tiny garrison on Second Thomas Shoal (Renai Shoal, 仁愛暗沙), which is part of the Spratly Islands (Nansha Islands, 南沙群島) — that Taiwan also claims — and a longstanding flashpoint between the countries.
Manila said the Chinese coast guard and other vessels “recklessly harassed, blocked, executed dangerous maneuvers” as they tried to “illegally impede or obstruct” yesterday’s mission.
Photo: AP
A Chinese coast guard vessel fired a water cannon against one of two supply boats, the Philippines’ National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea said.
The supply mission was also the target of “extremely reckless and dangerous harassment at close proximity” by Chinese boats inside the shoal, it said in a statement, adding that the Philippine vessels still managed to deliver their cargo.
China, however, said it “took control measures” against two Philippine transport boats and three coast guard vessels that were in Chinese waters.
“The Philippines’ actions infringe on China’s territorial sovereignty,” China Coast Guard spokesperson Gan Yu (甘羽) said. “We urge the Philippines to immediately stop its infringing actions.”
A handful of Filipino troops are stationed on the crumbling BRP Sierra Madre, which the Philippine Navy grounded on the reef in 1999 to check China’s advance in the waters.
The troops depend on the resupply missions for their survival.
The task force said the Philippine embassy in Beijing had lodged a protest with the Chinese foreign ministry over the latest incident, which it said had “put the lives of our people at risk.”
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