Chinese ships followed, blocked patrol boats near Ayungin — Coast Guard
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Coast Guard said Wednesday that Chinese ships shadowed and obstructed its vessels in a support mission in the West Philippine Sea late last month, the latest of Beijing’s aggressive actions in the tense waterway.
PGC said BRP Malabrigo and BRP Malapascua were assisting the naval operation of the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Western Command on June 30 when two Chinese Coast Guard vessels “came close” to the Philippine patrol boats.
“During the operation, the PCG was constantly followed, harassed, and obstructed by the significantly larger Chinese Coast Guard vessels at a distance of approximately 100 yards,” PGC said.
“These Chinese Coast Guard vessels blatantly disregard the Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea in their attempts to obstruct passage and discourage the PCG vessels from approaching Ayungin Shoal,” it added.
In an interview with state broadcaster People’s Television, PCG spokesperson Jay Tarriela said the Coast Guard vessels had to “decrease speed” as they responded to radio challenges from the Chinese ships.
He denied that BRP Malabrigo and BRP Malapascua were chased by Chinese Coast Guard vessels.
The PCG also monitored the presence of two People’s Liberation Army Navy ships in Ayungin Shoal as well as six Chinese maritime militia vessels.
Tarriela said the mission was successfully accomplished, and the PCG vessels were able to safely return.
In late April, a Chinese Coast Guard ship cut off a Philippine patrol vessel carrying journalists, causing a near-collision.
Beijing claims sovereignty over almost the entire South China Sea, ignoring an international ruling that the assertion has no legal basis.
Since taking office last June, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has insisted he will not let China trample on the Philippines' rights in the sea. Marcos is gravitating toward the United States, a traditional ally of the Philippines, as he seeks to strengthen their defense ties.
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