The Philippines’ coast guard (PCG) on Sunday accused China of “dangerous and blocking” manoeuvres whereas its vessel patrolled close to Scarborough Shoal within the South China Sea this month.
Manila’s coast guard mentioned in an announcement that on a nine-day patrol close to the shoal by its 97-meter (318-foot) vessel BRP Teresa Magbanua, 4 Chinese coast guard (CCG) vessels had shadowed the boat greater than 40 occasions.
Four Chinese maritime militia vessels had been additionally current close to the shoal, the PCG mentioned.
Located throughout the Philippines’ unique financial zone (EEZ), Scarborough shoal can be claimed by China, making it considered one of Asia’s most contested maritime options and a flashpoint for flare-ups.
The PCG mentioned its vessel was within the space to guard Filipino fishermen “from further harassment” of their conventional fishing floor.
“The CCG vessels performed dangerous and blocking manoeuvres at sea against BRP Teresa Magbanua four times, with the CCG vessels crossing the bow of the PCG vessel twice,” it mentioned, including that the Chinese vessels had “recklessly” disregarded worldwide guidelines on stopping collisions at sea.
China claims virtually the complete South China Sea, a conduit for greater than $3 trillion in annual ship commerce. Its territorial claims overlap with the EEZs of the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei.
The Chinese overseas ministry mentioned on Sunday that the Scarborough Shoal is Beijing’s sovereign territory and that Chinese coastguard actions within the space had been authorized.
“China requires the Philippines to respect China’s territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests and stop maritime infringement activities. China will continue to firmly safeguard its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests in accordance with the law,” it mentioned in response to a request from Reuters for remark.
In 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration within the Hague mentioned China’s claims had no authorized foundation, a choice Beijing has rejected.
(Reuters – Reporting by Mikhail Flores and Andrew Hayley; Editing by Sonali Paul)
