The Philippines claimed on Monday that its coast guard had expelled a Chinese warship that had invaded its territorial waters. Despite Beijing’s recent provocations, the Philippines has so far avoided direct confrontation with the Chinese army. This incident is bound to increase the temperature in the disputed waters.
According to the Philippine Coast Guard, the incident occurred on July 13, the fifth anniversary of the landmark international arbitration ruling that rejected Beijing’s claims on most of the disputed waterways.Beijing claims to own most of the South China Sea within the so-called “One Belt One Road” Nine segments.
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) issued a statement stating that its vessel BRP Cabra was patrolling near Mary Louise Bank-about 147 nautical miles (87 kilometers) off the coast of El Nido, Palawan Province-when it spotted the Chinese ship . Bloomberg.
Coast Guard spokesman Brigadier General Armand Barilo said that the warship was flying the national flag of the People’s Republic of China and marked with Chinese characters.
“BRP Cabra calmly raised the radio challenge while using radar to monitor the ship’s movement. The PCG ship got closer to see the activities of the Chinese navy ships in our waters more clearly,” he said.
The statement said that the Chinese warship at the bow of No. 189 remained silent, forcing the Philippine Coast Guard to use long-range sound wave devices to broadcast sound notifications and warnings. Later, the ship broke the silence and sent a radio message: “Philippine Coast Guard 4409, this is the 189th ship of the Chinese Navy, please keep a distance of two nautical miles from me.” statement Add to.
After that, the ship turned around and left Mary Louise Bank. Barilo said that BRP Cabra followed closely to ensure that foreign ships leave the country’s exclusive economic zone.
The Philippine Coast Guard stated that the crew strictly abide by the manual for implementing the rules in the exclusive economic zone.
When asked about this matter, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said that he did not know the matter and asked other authorities questions.
Relations between the two countries have deteriorated since March after China began to deploy militias near the Whitsunday Islands, which belong to the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone.
Since then, the Philippines has repeatedly protested against Chinese invasions, including the expulsion of Chinese ships from Sabina Shoal last month.
The Philippines is backed by the United States, and US Secretary of State Anthony Brinken reiterated this last week. Reiterate The Trump era rejected Beijing’s territorial claims in the South China Sea.He said that the United States will continue Defensive The Philippine armed forces were attacked in the South China Sea, based on the age of 68 U.S.-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty.
With the escalation of tensions, the United States recently sailed two aircraft carrier strike groups into the South China Sea, and a fleet centered on the British aircraft carrier Queen Elizabeth is sailing to the South China Sea.
By the way, despite the international arbitration panel’s ruling against Beijing, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte failed to impose his country’s claims on the disputed coral reef and faces charges: China helped him win national elections 2016. Duterte questioned these claims.
Photo: Philippine Coast Guard (PCG)/Handout
