During a research trip in the disputed South China Sea, the Philippine fisheries bureau accused the coastguard of firing water cannons and sideswiping a Filipino government vessel.
The Philippine Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources criticized the Chinese coastguard’s “aggressive interference” against the Datu Sanday and a second ship during the incident on Wednesday, according to its report on Thursday.
Two Filipino ships were collecting sand samples “as part of a marine scientific research initiative” when the incident occurred close to a group of small sandbanks in the Spratly Islands, according to a Philippine statement.
The CCG vessel 21559 “was water cannoned and sideswiped the BRP Datu Sanday (MMOV 3002) twice at approximately 0913H,” putting the lives of its civilian personnel in danger.
The Philippine ship’s port bow and smokestack were harmed by “aggressive interference, dangerous maneuvers, and illegal acts,” according to a statement from the bureau.
The Bureau continued, adding that this was the first time Philippine ships were attacked close to the disputed Sandy Cay reef with water cannon.
The scientific team from the Philippines was still able to “complete its operations in Pag-Asa Cays 1, 2 and 3,” according to the statement, referring to the Sandy Cays as “the Philippines’.
The Philippine vessel “dangerously” approached its ship, according to a statement from the Chinese coastguard, which caused the collision. The Filipino vessel “illegally entered” Sany Cay, according to the statement.
Mao Ning, a spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, claimed she had no idea about the incident.
The Chinese coastguard always upholds the law in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations, she said.
Beijing asserts that it has sovereigny rights over almost the entire South China Sea despite a legal challenge from the international community.
In the South China Sea, China and the Philippines have engaged in numerous conflict.
A Chinese state media report claiming Sandy Cay 2 was under China’s control was condemned by the Philippines last month as “irresponsible.”
In mid-April, the country’s coastguard “implemented maritime control” over Tiexian Reef, according to Chinese state broadcaster CCTV.
Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam, and other areas of the South China Sea are disputed by China, which asserts its sovereignty over the region.
Source: Aljazeera
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