In a series of aggressive encounters over the weekend, Chinese coast guard damaged three Philippine vessels, escalating tensions in the South China Sea. On Friday, China Coast Guard cutters and Maritime Militia vessels targeted Filipino resupply missions, disrupting the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources’ vessels with water cannons and acoustic devices near Scarborough Shoal.
Philippine officials reported deliberate targeting, severe damage to navigational equipment, and temporary incapacitation of sailors. Chinese vessels also hindered Filipino fishermen, deploying boats to chase them away. In a separate incident, Chinese forces damaged the Philippine Coast Guard patrol vessel BRP Cabra and the resupply boat M/L Kalavaan during a mission to Second Thomas Shoal.
Despite the clashes, one resupply boat reached Second Thomas Shoal, delivering supplies and personnel, including Armed Forces Chief General Brawner Jr. The National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea expressed doubt about China’s sincerity in resolving conflicts peacefully, emphasizing the need for respect for international law.
International partners, including the U.S., Japan, and Australia, expressed concern, while Philippine Senate President Juan Zubiri urged President BongBong Marcos Jr. to recall the Chinese Ambassador. President Marcos denounced China’s actions, affirming strengthened resolve to defend sovereignty.
On Sunday, a China Coast Guard cutter reportedly “rammed” a Philippine supply boat en route to Second Thomas Shoal, indicating China’s heightened willingness to escalate confrontations. The incidents follow joint U.S. and Australian patrols with the Philippines, reinforcing Manila’s sovereignty against Chinese coercion.
Read here the article we wrote about an earlier collision dispute between the Philippines and China.
