China asserting position in WPS after latest interference – Tarriela

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea (WPS) Rear Adm. Jay Tarriela on Friday said that China was asserting its position in the WPS after the latest interference of Chinese coast guard and naval vessels against a Philippine convoy.

“The main intent of China why they blocked, harassed and prevented us from having a successful resupply operation is to make sure na ma-validate ang position nila,” Tarriela said in a phone interview on Friday.

READ: AFP suspends Ayungin resupply mission after Chinese vessels interfere

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) earlier said that three People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) warships and five China Coast Guard (CCG) vessels interfered with its mission to Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal on Thursday, Sept. 24.

Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, AFP spokesman for the West Philippine Sea, said the initial tailing of CCG and PLA were reported 60 nautical miles from Ayungin shore.

Three Philippine Navy and Philippine Coast Guard support vessels were conducting rotation and resupply missions when it was suspended after the PLAN warship issued a radio challenge to prevent further escalation. 

The Philippine Navy vessel also experienced a mechanical derangement, which was also a factor to temporarily abort the mission, Trinidad confirmed. 

“We also proceeded back. Of course as an escort support vessel, noong bumalik na ang Lapu-Lapu, the two Philippine Coast Guard vessels also asked to go back already,” Tarriela said. /mr