2 PCG ships ‘pursued’ by Chinese Coast Guard

MANILA, Philippines — China Coast Guard (CCG) vessels and militia engaged and “pursued” two Philippine ships in a resupply mission on June 30, according to a former United States Air Force official.

Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vessels BRP Malabrigo and BRP Malapascua were escorting a small boat on a resupply mission to Philippine Navy ship BRP Sierra Madre when they reportedly encountered “an armada” of CCG militia.

“After the resupply, the two CCG ships pursued the PCG ships to the east. CCG 3103, which had just arrived from Scarborough Shoal, then returned to China’s nearby military base at Mischief Reef. CCG 4203 has resumed its patrol of Sabina Shoal,” said Raymond Powell, a fellow at the Gordian Knot Center for National Security Innovation.

In a series of tweets, Powell said the two CCG vessels and seven militia ships were “in a position to interdict” the resupply mission in Ayungin Shoal.

Another seven militia ships were patrolling 20-50 kilometers northwest of Mischief Reef, and another CCG vessel may have been near the area, according to Powell.

CCG 3103, Powell noted, had traveled 650 kilometers from Scarborough Shoal.

“Awfully long trip to help oppose two lightly armed 45-meter patrol vessels and some small boats on a supply run,” he added.

PCG spokesperson Rear Admiral Armand Balilo said he is unable to confirm if the June 30 incident occurred.

“I have no information,” he said.

Powell said China violated the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. China is a signatory to UNCLOS.

China has been an aggressor in numerous incidents that occurred in the South China Sea, especially in recent incidents this year.

A CCG vessel reportedly pointed a military-grade laser at BRP Malapascua last Feb. 6, causing temporary blindness to the crew.

Another CCG vessel nearly collided with the Malapascua last April 23, posing a significant threat to the crew’s safety.