The sovereignty dispute between China and the Philippines in the South China Sea continues. In the statement made by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), it was stated that routine patrols were carried out around Scarborough Reef together with the Philippine Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) to support Filipino fishermen.
FIRST WATER PRESSURIZED, THEN INTENTIONAL COLLISION
It was reported that during the patrol, Philippine ships were exposed to aggressive actions by the Chinese navy ship and the Chinese Coast Guard. It was stated that around 06.30 local time, the Chinese coast guard ship sprayed pressurized water on the ship belonging to the Philippine Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, and then deliberately rammed it from the side. It was stated that a short time later, the Chinese ship sprayed pressurized water on the same ship for the second time. It was noted that Philippine ships were also subject to obstruction and dangerous maneuvers by Chinese ships.
“FILIPINO SHIPS APPROACHED DANGEROUSLY”
In the statement made by the Chinese Coast Guard, it was stated that the Philippine ships “came dangerously close” and that the actions of the Chinese crew were “lawful”. In the statement, which accused the Philippines of “making groundless accusations”, it was claimed that the Philippines deliberately hit the Chinese ship.
DISPUTE IN THE SOUTH CHINA SEA
The Philippines claims that the Scarborough Reef is within its exclusive economic zone, while China claims that the reef is under its sovereignty.
(UAV)