MANILA, Philippines — The China Coast Guard (CCG) is not interested in enforcing fisheries laws if potential violators are Chinese – at least judging from its treatment of maritime militia vessels, which were spared from routine inspection at sea, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Commodore Jay Tarriela said yesterday.
In a post on X, Tarriela said the PCG observed that CCG ships deployed in Escoda Shoal appeared unmindful of the China maritime militia vessels in the vicinity and that some of CCG crew even casually interacted with crewmembers of CMMVs.
He said CCG ship with bow number 5303 arrived in the area to replace CCG “monster ship” with bow number 5901, which sailed away last Aug.10.
The newly arrived vessel deployed rigid-hulled inflatable boats that supposedly should inspect the CMMVs – around four of them – based on photos shared by Tarriela.
“However, since its arrival at Escoda Shoal to replace the CCG-5901, its personnel, utilizing Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats, did not inspect the Chinese maritime militia, which is gathered within the shoal for compliance with fishery laws,” he said.
Videos posted by Tarriela showed uniformed officers wearing orange life vests, talking to men wearing casual clothes, some even not wearing shirts, on the decks of Chinese maritime militia vessels.
“This clearly indicates that the Chinese maritime militia is recognized by the Chinese coast guard as an integral part of their maritime operations, aiding in encroaching upon the exclusive economic zones of other countries throughout the South China Sea,” he said.
Tarriela said this meant the CCG “should not be entrusted with the responsibilities of the (Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission) to board fishing vessels, as their true objective is not to combat illegal, unreported, or unregulated fishing.”
“The PRC (People’s Republic of China)’s aim appears to be the innovative legitimization of its unlawful presence and activities in the West Philippine Sea, disguised under the pretense of maritime law enforcement,” he said.