DFA blasts China over ‘illegal, aggressive’ actions in West PH Sea

A China Coast Guard ship maneuvers past a Philippine fishing boat during the distribution of fuel and food to fishers by the civilian-led mission Atin Ito (This Is Ours) Coalition, in the disputed South China Sea on May 16, 2024. A Philippine boat convoy bearing supplies for Filipino fishers said they were headed back to port May 16, ditching plans to sail to a Beijing-held reef off the Southeast Asian country after one of their boats was “constantly shadowed” by a Chinese vessel. FILE PHOTO/Agence France-Presse

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Wednesday denounced the recent “illegal” and “aggressive” actions of Chinese coast guards in Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal  in the West Philippine Sea which resulted in injuries among Filipino naval personnel.

The DFA was referring to a ramming incident on Monday, June 17, between China Coast Guard (CCG) vessels and Filipino boats during a resupply mission to BRP Sierra Madre.

The incident resulted in a Philippine Navy sailor having his thumb severed, while several other naval personnel sustained minor injuries.

READ: PH Navy sailor loses thumb, others injured in CCG ramming incident

“The DFA denounces the illegal and aggressive actions of Chinese authorities that resulted in personnel injury and vessel damage,” said the DFA in a statement.

The department then blasted China for its actions, stressing the Philippines’ efforts to rebuild a “conducive environment for dialogue and consultation” in the South China Sea.

“This cannot be achieved if China’s words do not match their actions on the waters. We expect China to act sincerely and responsibly, and refrain from behavior that puts [at] risk the safety of personnel and vessels,” said the DFA.

“We reiterate our call for China to adhere to international law, especially Unclos (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea) and the 2016 Arbitral Award, and respect the Philippines’ sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction in our own waters,” it added.

Apart from the ramming incident, it was also reported that the CCG also used water cannons and even boarded Philippine vessels.