We are sorry, the requested page does not exist
DFA summons Chinese envoy over latest sea confrontation
The DFA said in a statement that the agency summoned the chargé d'affaires of the Chinese Embassy to protest “aggressive actions” by the China Coast Guard (CCG) and Chinese maritime militia against a civilian boat supplying troops stationed at BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal. .....»»
Philippines resupply boat heavily damaged
Again, using water cannons and executing dangerous maneuvers, the Chinese coast guard made another attempt yesterday to block Filipino vessels from resupplying a military outpost on the BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal, causing “major damage” and triggering condemnation from the US, the European Union and Japan......»»
Philippines resupply boatheavily damaged
Again, using water cannons and executing dangerous maneuvers, the Chinese coast guard made another attempt yesterday to block Filipino vessels from resupplying a military outpost on the BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal, causing “major damage” and triggering condemnation from the US, the European Union and Japan......»»
China Coast Guard water-cannons anew Ayungin-bound civilian Philippine boat
A China Coast Guard vessel again blasted a Filipino supply boat with water cannons during the latter's attempt to bring much needed supplies to soldiers stationed at the Ayungin (Scarborough) Shoal......»»
China bullies Phl resupply vessels
The Philippines and China on Sunday blamed each other for the collisions of their ships in the West Philippine Sea, a portion of the South China Sea which the two countries both claim. The two countries separately issued strongly worded statements after the collision of their vessels near the Ayungin Shoal, which the latter refers to as Ren’ai Reef. The National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea accused the CCG of performing “dangerous blocking maneuvers” that resulted in a collision with the Unaiza on May 2. The Unaiza May 1 and 2 are boats contracted by the Armed Forces of the Philippines for a resupply mission to the BRP Sierra Madre. Unaiza 1 was able to complete its mission. The NTF-WPS condemned the “provocative, irresponsible, and illegal action” of the China Coast Guard ship, which “imperiled the safety” of the Unaiza May 2 crew. The United States and Canada condemned China’s action, while Germany expressed concern over the latest development in the WPS. (See related story) ‘Trespassing’ In the same resupply mission, a Chinese maritime militia vessel “bumped” the Philippine Coast Guard BRP Cabra’s port side, which was escorting the resupply vessels while it was lying approximately 6.4 nautical miles northeast of Ayungin Shoal. The NTF-WPS said it “condemns in the strongest degree the latest dangerous, irresponsible, and illegal actions of the CCG and the Chinese maritime militia done this morning.” It stated that the Philippine sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction were “violated” by the conduct of the Chinese Coast Guard and maritime militia vessels. The Philippines also described the incident as an “utter blatant disregard of the United Nations Charter, the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea and relevant international maritime conventions, and the 2016 Arbitral Award.” For its part, China blamed the Philippines, stressing that its vessels “trespassed” into the adjacent waters of Ren’ai Reef in China’s Nansha Islands without permission. “Since the Philippine side ignored China’s repeated warnings, the China Coast Guard responded lawfully and blocked the Philippine vessels which were illegally carrying construction materials,” the CCG said in a statement shared by the Chinese Embassy in Manila to Filipino journalists. The CCG also said that the Unaiza Mae 2 “sailed at the bow of China Coast Guard 5203 (which it said was conducting law enforcement activities lawfully) in a way that was neither professional nor safe in spite of China’s advanced notice and repeated warnings.” China also blamed the Philippine side for the “bumping” of the PCG’s BRP Cabra and its militia vessel. “At 08:13 A.M., the Philippine vessel 4409 began to astern deliberately, leading to the collision of the stern of its vessel into the starboard of China’s static floating Qiong Sansha Yu 00003,” it said. “The move was to make faults with China and escalate the current situation,” it added. It continued: “The Philippines’ action seriously violated the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea and threatened the navigation safety of the Chinese vessels.” China also insisted that their operations were “professional, legitimate and lawful and the responsibility lay entirely with the Philippine side.” Ayungin Shoal, also known as Second Thomas Shoal, is 105 nautical miles west of Palawan and part of the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone. China claims the vast South China Sea, including the West Philippine Sea. On 12 July 2016, the Philippines won its arbitral case against China in the Permanent Court of Arbitration — a landmark decision that China continues to reject. WITH RAFFY AYENG @tribunephl_raf The post China bullies Phl resupply vessels appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Phl, China trade barbs over ships’ collision in WPS
The Philippines and China blamed each other on Sunday for the collisions of their ships in the West Philippine Sea, a portion of the South China Sea, which the two countries both claim. The two countries separately issued strongly worded statements after the collision of their vessels near the Ayungin Shoal, which the latter refers to as Ren’ai Reef. The National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea accused the CCG of performing "dangerous blocking maneuvers" that resulted in a collision with the Unaiza May 2, an indigenous boat contracted by the Armed Forces of the Philippines for a resupply mission to the BRP Sierra Madre. The NTF-WPS condemned the “provocative, irresponsible, and illegal action” of the China Coast Guard ship which “imperiled the safety” of the Unaiza May 2 crew. In the same resupply mission, a Chinese Maritime Militia vessel “bumped” the Philippine Coast Guard BRP Cabra’s port side which was escorting the Philippine vessels while it was lying approximately 6.4 nautical miles northeast of Ayungin Shoal. The NTF-WPS said it “condemns in the strongest degree the latest dangerous, irresponsible, and illegal actions of the CCG and the Chinese maritime militia done this morning.” It stated that the Philippine sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction were “violated” by the conduct of the Chinese Coast Guard and maritime militia vessels. The Philippines also described the incident as an “utter blatant disregard of the United Nations Charter, the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea and relevant international maritime conventions, and the 2016 Arbitral Award.” ‘Trespassing’ For its part, China threw the blame on the Philippines side, stressing that its vessels “trespassed” into the adjacent waters of Ren’ai Reef in China’s Nansha Islands without permission. “Since the Philippine side ignored China’s repeated warnings, the China Coast Guard responded lawfully and blocked the Philippine vessels which were illegally carrying construction materials,” the CCG said in a statement shared by the Chinese Embassy in Manila to Filipino journalists. The CCG also said that the Unaizah Mae 2 “sailed at the bow of China Coast Guard 5203 (which was conducting law enforcement activities lawfully) on purpose in a way that was not professional nor safe in spite of China’s advanced notice and repeated warnings.” China also blamed the Philippine side for the “bumping” of the PCG’s BRP Cabra and its militia vessel. “At 08:13 A.M., the Philippine vessel 4409 began to astern deliberately, leading to the collision of the stern of its vessel into the starboard of China’s static floating Qiong Sansha Yu 00003,” it said. “The move was to make faults with China and escalate the current situation,” it added. It continued: “The Philippines’ action seriously violated the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea and threatened the navigation safety of the Chinese vessels.” China also insisted that their operations were “professional, legitimate and lawful and the responsibility lay entirely with the Philippine side.” Ayungin Shoal, also known as Second Thomas Shoal, is located 105 nautical miles west of Palawan and is part of the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone. China claims the vast South China Sea, including the West Philippine Sea. On 12 July 2016, the Philippines won its arbitral case against China in the Permanent Court of Arbitration – a landmark decision that China continues to reject. The post Phl, China trade barbs over ships’ collision in WPS appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Senators denounce China’s ‘abhorrent’ actions in WPS
Senators on Sunday condemned China for performing “dangerous blocking maneuvers” that resulted in a collision with the Unaiza May 2, an indigenous boat contracted by the Armed Forces of the Philippines for a resupply mission to the BRP Sierra Madre. In separate statements, Senate President Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri, Senators Risa Hontiveros, and Francis Tolentino expressed their anger over the collision that put the safety of the Filipino crew at risk. “I am one with peace-loving Filipinos in strongly condemning this latest abhorrent actions of the China Coast Guard and Chinese maritime militia that put in danger the lives of our brave countrymen who were on a routine resupply mission to our troops in Ayungin Shoal,” Zubiri said. “Let me salute our personnel from the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) for displaying courage and restraint in continuing their resupply missions despite the hostile and treacherous acts of China Coast Guard and their maritime militia,” he added. Zubiri called on CCG to “respect human lives and abide by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and other international laws governing safe maritime travel.” “Our freedom of navigation in our own exclusive economic zone within our own continental shelf should be recognized and upheld,” he stressed. The Senate chief also reiterated his support for his colleagues' efforts to beef up the PCG and AFP’s budget for the next fiscal year to “better capacitate them in safeguarding our exclusive economic zones from illegal foreign intrusions.” “As leader of the Senate, I will make sure that our troops will get sufficient funds under the 2024 national budget to bankroll the much-needed upgrade of their equipment,” he said. The National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea accused the CCG of performing "dangerous blocking maneuvers" that resulted in a collision with the Unaiza May 2, an indigenous boat contracted by the Armed Forces of the Philippines for a resupply mission to the BRP Sierra Madre. The NTF-WPS condemned the “provocative, irresponsible, and illegal action” of the China Coast Guard ship which “imperiled the safety” of the Unaiza May 2 crew. In the same resupply mission, a Chinese Maritime Militia vessel “bumped” the Philippine Coast Guard BRP Cabra’s port side which was escorting the Philippine vessels while it was lying approximately 6.4 nautical miles northeast of Ayungin Shoal. The NTF-WPS said it “condemns in the strongest degree the latest dangerous, irresponsible, and illegal actions of the CCG and the Chinese maritime militia done this morning.” ‘Enough’ Hontiveros echoed Zubiri’s call on China to “stop” its activities in the West Philippine Sea which she said clearly violates international law. “This latest collision is squarely the China Coast Guard’s fault,” she said in a separate statement. “The 2016 Arbitral Award has resolutely invalidated China’s claims in the West Philippine Sea, making this incident a clear violation of international law,” she added. Hontiveros said the PCG “has every right to be in the West Philippine Sea.” “China has no right to drive our forces into our own seas. Furthermore, they do not have the right to hurt and bump Philippine vessels that are only performing their jobs in our territories,” she stressed. “Chinese vessels have chased, blocked, and harassed our Philippine Coast Guard daily, 24/7 every single time we conduct our resupply mission to the BRP Sierra Madre,” she added. The opposition lawmaker also called on the international community to join the Philippines’ condemnation of China’s most recent violence against the Filipino people. “Our nations should not stop fighting for the rule of law. It is the only way to have a chance at true peace and stability across the region and the world,” she said. For his part, Tolentino said the recent confrontation between the Philippines and China clearly shows China’s continuous disregard for international law. He noted that the incident should be investigated by the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea and the Code for Investigation ng Marine Casualties and Incidents of the International Maritime Organization. Ayungin Shoal, also known as Second Thomas Shoal, is located 105 nautical miles west of Palawan and is part of the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone. China claims the vast South China Sea, including the West Philippine Sea. On 12 July 2016, the Philippines won its arbitral case against China in the Permanent Court of Arbitration – a landmark decision that China continues to reject. The post Senators denounce China’s ‘abhorrent’ actions in WPS appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
China interferes anew in WPS resupply mission, accuses Phl of ‘intruding’
The National Task Force on the West Philippine Sea reported the country’s successful rotation and resupply mission to BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal last 4 October. But the task force said the fresh provisions to military personnel stationed in the Philippine Navy’s grounded ship in the Ayugin Shoal, delivered by the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Western Command and the Philippine Coast Guard, were again blocked by the China Coast Guard and Chinese maritime militia vessels while traversing the Philippine waters off WPS. The Chinese ships harassed and interfered with the routine mission of the Philippine supply ships Unaizah May 1 and Unaizah May 2, escorted by PCG vessels BRP Cabra (MRRV-4409) and BRP Sindangan (MRRV 4407), while they were en route to BRP Sierra Madre, a warship-turned-military outpost of Filipinos in WPS. China has condemned the Philippines’ resupply mission, accusing Filipinos of “intruding [into] Chinese territory.” In a China Military website post, China Coast Guard spokesperson Gan Yu said the China forces issued warnings and conducted necessary control of four Filipino vessels that “illegally entered waters near the Ren'ai Reef" — the Chinese name for Ayungin Shoal, on Wednesday. "Philippine supply ships and two coast guard ships entered the waters in China's Nansha Islands without permission from the Chinese government," Gan said. The Chinese official said the CCG closely monitored the movement of the Filipino ships and "effectively regulated them in accordance with the law.” Gan noted that China’s intention of blocking was to “prevent” the Philippines from “shipping illegal construction materials” to the BRP Sierra Madre “that is illegally stranded in the Ren'ai Reef.” He then urged the Philippines “to immediately stop its infringing activities in the waters, stressing that China has indisputable sovereignty over the Nansha Islands and their adjacent waters, including the Ren'ai Reef.” “China Coast Guard will continuously carry out rights protection and law enforcement activities in the waters under China's jurisdiction in accordance with law,” he added. However, the NTF-WPS maintained that the resupply missions are part of the country’s regular operations “in line with domestic and international law and to ensure the safety and well-being of our stationed personnel.” “These missions are a legitimate exercise of the administrative functions of the Philippine Government over the WPS, in line with the UNCLOS, the 2016 Arbitral Award, and domestic laws,” it said. “The administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. will remain steadfast in adhering to a rules-based international order,” the task force added. The post China interferes anew in WPS resupply mission, accuses Phl of ‘intruding’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Dela Rosa on China ‘allowing’ resupply mission to Ayungin Shoal: ‘Who are they?’
The Philippines does not need China’s approval to operate within its territorial waters, particularly in the West Philippine Sea, Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa said. In a chance interview with reporters, Dela Rosa questioned China’s recent claims that the successful rotation and resupply mission of the Armed Forces of the Philippines for the BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin shoal was allowed only due to the Chinese’s “humanitarian consideration.” “Sino sila? Sino sila para mag-a-approve kung anong dadalhin natin doon para sa ating outpost, para sa ating mga sundalo doon sa outpost? Bakit nila tayo pigilan kung anong gusto nating dalhin? (Who are they? Who are they to approve our operation for our outpost, whatever we want to bring to our soldiers in our outpost? Why should they stop us from what we want to bring there?).” In a television interview, National Task Force for the WPS spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela denied China’s claims that it has extended humanitarian consideration to the Philippines. “That’s not true that they have allowed the path of the supply boasts to enter Ayungin shoal. Even the supply boast that we are using to deliver the supplies was blocked and intercepted by the Chinese Coast Guard vessels. So it’s not true, they are lying when they said that they are extending humanitarian consideration,” Tarriela stressed. Tarriela described the recent RoRe mission as “not a walk in the park” as China again threatened the Philippines with its usual aggressive tactics. CCG ships and other China militia vessels attempted to obstruct the Philippine resupply boats delivering fresh provisions to the military personnel stationed on BRP Sierra Madre at Ayungin Shoal last 22 August. China vessels also reactivated their water cannons during the RoRe mission. AFP chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. said they are now looking into other strategies for the future resupply mission in the area. Meanwhile, Dela Rosa lamented that China’s recent blockage attempts against Philippine vessels serve as an “advancement of their own position.” “Gusto nila talaga na masira iyong barko nating Sierra Madre para ‘pag masira na ‘yan, magiba, wala na tayong matitirahan at sila na ang papalit sa atin, aagawin na nila ‘yan (They really want ship Sierra Madre to be totally destroyed so that they can positioned themselves when we will have no place to live and they will replace us, they will seize it),” he said. On the other hand, Senator Raffy Tulfo recommended to the AFP and the Department of the National Defense to allow the Philippine Coast Guard to conduct a joint military operation involving a resupply mission with the United States Navy to drive away the CCG trying to block the country’s sovereign rights over the WPS. The post Dela Rosa on China ‘allowing’ resupply mission to Ayungin Shoal: ‘Who are they?’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Latest resupply mission reaches Ayungin Shoal
The Philippines said a resupply mission had reached a remote outpost in the disputed South China Sea Tuesday, despite attempts by Chinese vessels to "block" the boats carrying provisions for Filipino marines. Two Philippine Coast Guard boats escorted two supply vessels to Second Thomas Shoal [Ayungin Shoal] in the Spratly Islands, where a handful of troops are stationed on a crumbling navy ship. They arrived just over two weeks after China Coast Guard ships blocked and fired water cannon at a resupply mission to the tiny garrison that prevented one of the boats from delivering its cargo. "The routine follow-on Rotation and Resupply mission to the BRP Sierra Madre was successfully conducted today," the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea said in a statement. The task force accused China Coast Guard and "Chinese Maritime Militia" vessels of attempting to "block, harass, and interfere" with the mission. "Routine missions to Philippine outposts on various features in the West Philippine Sea will continue on a regular basis," it insisted. The Chinese embassy in Manila did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The Philippines has outposts on nine reefs and islands in the Spratlys, including Second Thomas Shoal. The Philippine Navy deliberately grounded the World War II-era BRP Sierra Madre atop the shoal in 1999 to check China's advance in the waters. The troops stationed on the rusty ship depend on regular deliveries for their survival. Second Thomas Shoal is about 200 kilometers (124 miles) from the western Philippine island of Palawan, and more than 1,000 kilometers from China's nearest major landmass, Hainan island. The water cannoning on 5 August fanned tensions between the countries, which have a long history of maritime disputes in the South China Sea. China claims almost the entire waterway, through which trillions of dollars in trade passes annually, and has ignored an international ruling that its assertion has no legal basis. It deploys hundreds of vessels to patrol the South China Sea and swarm reefs. Its coast guard and navy ships routinely block or shadow Philippine boats in the contested waters, Manila has said. Beijing has defended its actions in the 5 August incident as "professional", and accused Manila of "illegal delivery of construction materials" to the grounded ship. The Philippines has insisted that Second Thomas Shoal is within its exclusive economic zone, and therefore its efforts to resupply troops and repair the BRP Sierra Madre are legitimate. The post Latest resupply mission reaches Ayungin Shoal appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Phl ‘exposes’ China’s actions at Indo-Pacific defense chiefs meeting
The Philippines "exposed" China’s activities in the West Philippines Sea during the recent Indo-Pacific Chiefs of Defense conference, Armed Forces of the Philippines chief General Romeo Brawner Jr. bared Monday. In a radio interview, Brawner said some 23 defense chiefs across the Indo-Pacific, along with China’s deputy chief of defense, were present during the discussions. “Of course, binanggit natin doon sa ating discussions 'yung ginagawa ng China. In-expose natin doon sa iba't ibang bansa (We mentioned China’s activities in our discussion. We exposed them to different countries)," he said. Brawner said China responded by insisting that they still follow international rules, that the South China Sea is theirs and that the 2016 arbitration ruling that favored the Philippines over the nine-dash line “is invalid and unacceptable.” The AFP chief added that China asserted that they will continue their activities in the SCS. In 2016, The Hague Tribunal invalidated Beijing’s "nine-dash line doctrine" over the entire SCS region following an arbitration case filed by the Philippine government on 22 January 2013. The Tribunal also ruled that China’s nine-dash line unilaterally encroached on territories of other member-states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. The Philippines has been urging China and other claimants to honor the ruling. Despite this, China rejected the Philippines' call to comply with the ruling. China also claimed that Ayungin or Ren'ai Reef is part of its Nansha Island. Recently, the Chinese Coast Guard blocked and directed water cannons at Philippine vessels en route to BRP Sierra Madre for a resupply mission in Ayungin Shoal. China accused the Philippines of violating their laws by “intruding” into the Ayungin Shoal. Brawner said the Philippines has been upholding a “diplomatic course of action” amid China’s untoward treatment against Filipino ships within parts of the WPS. “Our Department of Foreign Affairs has been talking with their Chinese counterparts to convince them not to block our resupply mission. While at the level of the Department of National Defense, they have been talking with counterparts, including with China’s defense attaché,” Brawner said partly in Filipino. Amid the ongoing tensions, Brawner said the AFP will continue to conduct its mission within the country’s exclusive economic zone. “Because that is our obligation, that is our right to provide our troops with supply and that the BRP Sierra Madre is a commissioned vessel of the Philippine Navy with our flag hoisted in there. [It is] very visible, so it is our right and an obligation to bring supplies to our soldiers,” he stressed. Brawner also emphasized that the country is strictly following rules of engagement and international laws. The Philippine Navy, he said, is directed to execute maximum tolerance amid China’s aggressive actions. The post Phl ‘exposes’ China’s actions at Indo-Pacific defense chiefs meeting appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
The August 5 Ayungin Shoal incident: Confronting Chinese grey zone ops in West Philippine Sea
On Aug. 5, 2023, China Coast Guard vessels blocked and used water cannons against a Philippine Coast Guard convoy delivering supplies to the small Philippine garrison on board a beached Philippine Navy commissioned Landing Ship Tank BRP Sierra Madre on Ayungin Shoal......»»
AFP to push another rotation, resupply mission for BRP Sierra Madre
The Armed Forces of the Philippines announced it will conduct another rotation and resupply (RoRe) mission to personnel stationed in the BRP Sierra Madre (LST-57) located in the Ayungin Shoal in the West Philippine Sea. AFP spokesperson Col. Medel Aguilar said the RoRe mission is part of the country’s strategic efforts to maintain a presence over its exclusive economic zone. “Despite the incident on August 5, where Philippine supply vessels were blocked, subjected to dangerous maneuvers and water cannon, the Armed Forces of the Philippines is duty-bound to ensure the well-being of its personnel on the BRP Sierra Madre,” Aguilar told reporters on Saturday. The government earlier condemned the aggressive action of the Chinese Coast Guard, including dangerous maneuvers and firing water cannon against the Philippine vessels last 5 August in Ayungin Shoal. Aguilar defended the AFP’s resupply mission saying the Philippines is only exercising its sovereign rights and jurisdiction under the rules-based International order. “Ayungin Shoal holds a strategic importance for the Philippines and is a fishing ground for our fishermen. Beyond its practical purpose, the RORE mission to the shoal is a clear demonstration of our resolve to stand up against threats and coercion and our commitment to upholding the Rule of Law,” he said. “This exercise of our sovereign rights and jurisdiction is a testament to our firm belief in the rules-based international order that underpins regional peace and stability,” Aguilar further stressed. The Philippines will continue to pursue its humanitarian undertaking and defend its rights to its own maritime zones, he said. “We also affirm our support for the peaceful settlement of disputes. We, therefore, call on all relevant parties to abide by their obligations under international law and respect the Philippines' sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction over its maritime zones,” Aguilar said. The Department of Foreign Affairs said that this year alone, the Philippines have already filed 34 diplomatic protests against China due to their aggressive actions. The post AFP to push another rotation, resupply mission for BRP Sierra Madre appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
U.S. must step up too
American analysts have been exploring the possible ways the West Philippine Sea conflict will play out primarily with the so-called “gray zone” maneuvers by China in the disputed waters in which non-military activities are employed for coercion. The United States Institute of Peace, or USIP, a federal body tasked with promoting conflict resolution and prevention worldwide, is reviewing ways that Washington can play a role in de-escalating the tension in the region. The review was sparked by an act of aggression last week when a Chinese Coast Guard vessel deployed a water cannon to redirect an unarmed Philippine Navy supply boat. China blamed the incident on the Philippine government’s continued defiance of an earlier understanding to ban the delivery of construction materials to the beached BRP Sierra Madre navy vessel at Ayungin Shoal. Tensions have been on the rise since last year on China’s perception that Manila was moving closer to Washington, prompting a more aggressive assertion of its claim over most of the West Philippine Sea. “Given that Washington and Manila have a mutual defense treaty, there is credible concern that an incident like this could trigger a wider US-China conflict,” according to the USIP. Under a new Philippine administration, the formerly conciliatory approach the country had taken in its dispute with China has shifted. Instead, Brian Harding, USIP senior expert for Southeast Asia and Pacific Islands, said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has highlighted China’s efforts to swarm and intimidate fishing and coast guard vessels to take the bold move of deepening defense ties with the United States, bringing China-Philippines ties to a new low. Ayungin Shoal, the USIP expert said, has long been a likely candidate for the first showdown between the Philippines and China since Beijing took control of Scarborough Shoal in 2012. Former Supreme Court Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio also identified the shoal, in a speech the other day, as one of five possible flashpoints that may lead to a deeper maritime conflict. In 1999, the Philippines intentionally beached a World War II naval vessel on a submerged reef, located within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone, and has since maintained a small contingent of Marines on board in extremely austere conditions. As a practical matter, in recent years China has turned a blind eye to the Philippines replenishing supplies for the Marines but has blocked the delivery of materials that could be used to repair the ship. USIP’s Andrew Scobell, a China expert, said the recent aggressive actions of a large China Coast Guard vessel on a tiny Filipino Navy supply boat was merely the latest episode in a decades-long campaign of intimidation and coercion by Beijing. Based on its insisted-on nine-dash line boundaries, Beijing claims the right to restrict access to ships from other countries to the South China Sea. “Many of (China’s) white-hulled ships are far larger, much better equipped, and more intimidating than the gray hull naval vessels possessed by most Southeast Asian states,” USIP said. China has persisted in its well-orchestrated campaign of low-intensity conflict, what is widely called “gray zone” actions, to forcefully advance its claims and aggressively push back against rivals. Carla Freeman, a senior USIP expert on China, said that beyond the effort to persuade and deter China, the US should engage in diplomacy to encourage allies and partners in the region to make clear to Beijing their own concerns about the risks to peace posed by confrontation. Regional allies have already issued statements criticizing China’s behavior, with Tokyo using unusually strong language to condemn China’s conduct, the USIP said. Like the Philippines’ position, the USIP said that Washington’s efforts in support of a binding code of conduct, or CoC, would be key to preventing conflict. The USIP, nonetheless, sees as a major obstacle toward progress in the United States itself since it is limited in its diplomatic capabilities after it failed to ratify the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. Taking the high road in the simmering conflict, thus, would need both the US and China to review their positions of leadership to keep the stability in the region. The post U.S. must step up too appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
China hallucinating — University professors
China has “many collective hallucinations.” This was the assessment made by three political analysts and university professors at the weekly News Forum in Quezon City, Saturday. University of Santo Tomas Political Science Department professor Dr. Froilan Calilung said the problem with China is it has “many collective hallucinations.” Calilung seconded the views shared by the University of the Philippines Institute for Maritime Affairs and Law of the Sea, Director Jay Batongbacal, who said China’s latest move is an attempt to manipulate the Philippines through strategies that would be advantageous to Beijing. The two university professors believed that Beijing is attempting to make other “dangerous maneuvers” to test the current administration. "Every time there is a new administration, China is instigating a potential crisis. It is testing what kind of leader we have and what kind of people are surrounding him,” Batongbacal said. On Wednesday, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said he is repealing any commitment, should there be an existing agreement between the Philippines and China, on the supposed removal of the BRP Sierra Madre from Ayungin Shoal. Political analyst and De La Salle University professor Renato de Castro on the other hand lauded President Marcos for standing firm that the BRP Sierra Madre would not be removed from Ayungin Shoal. “It boils down to the national determination. And I think the President has already implicated we will not abandon the BRP Sierra Madre. That’s the most important thing, the political decision to ensure that we maintain our presence over Ayungin Shoal,” De Castro said. He added that the 5 August incident where the Chinese Coast Guard blocked and used water cannon against the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) in a resupply mission to Ayungin Shoal, is "part of (China’s) tactic” to pressure the Philippines and create a “crisis situation to put the other side on the defensive.” “The Chinese do not do it on a basis of good faith. They always deal with crises from the position of that faith. The crisis is not meant to resolve. The crisis is meant to put the other side on the defensive, to put pressure on you,” De Castro explained. China’s claim that the Philippines has made a promise to remove the grounded BRP Sierra Madre from Ayungin Shoal is a “lie and gaslighting,” according to Batongbacal. "We don't believe that. We've been hearing that for a long time, but we haven't been able to find anyone with authority who might have said that," Batongbacal said. “Definitely, it’s a lie, it’s gaslighting na tinatawag. Mapapansin niyo, madalas nangyayari iyan. Pinapaduda ka sa sarili mong posisyon by saying things," he added. Larger vessels for resupply mission to Ayungin Shoal For their part, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said they are ready and willing, should the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) request for more vessels that will escort boats for resupply missions to BRP Sierra Madre at the Ayungin Shoal, following China’s water cannon blasting incident last week. “If the Armed Forces of the Philippines would request the Philippine Coast Guard to provide escort, we will deploy vessels that will support the supply mission," PCG spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Commodore Jay Tarriela said. Tarriela said PCG Commandant Admiral Artemio Abu “is willing to deploy additional vessels to support the resupply mission and if it needs be to deploy a 97-meter vessel that would also be an option.” The PCG is also willing to deploy the offshore patrol vessel, “which is bigger than the 44-meter that we deployed before,” he added. The post China hallucinating — University professors appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Phl sends note verbale to China
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday said the government has sent a note verbale to China after a Chinese coast guard vessel used a water cannon on a Philippine boat that was on a resupply mission to Ayungin Shoal in the West Philippine Sea. In an interview with the media following a command conference in Bulacan, Marcos said the note verbale included pictures and video of the incident. “Our secretary of foreign affairs summoned Ambassador Huang (Xilian) today and gave him a note verbale, including pictures and video of what happened, and we are awaiting their reply,” Marcos told reporters. The incident happened Saturday as the Philippine Coast Guard was escorting chartered boats carrying food, water, fuel and other supplies for Filipino military personnel stationed at Second Thomas Shoal in the Spratly Islands. [caption id="attachment_168205" align="aligncenter" width="2048"] Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Commodore Jay Tarriela (left), spokesperson for the National Security Council Jonathan Malaya (center) and spokesperson for the Armed Forces of the Philippines Colonel Medel Aguilar take part in a press conference in response to recent aggression by the Chinese Coast Guard against Philippine vessels in the South China Sea, at the Department of Foreign Affairs in Manila on 7 August. | Ezra Acayan / POOL/AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE[/caption] Howls of protests The US State Department on Sunday condemned the Chinese action, saying it was carried out by its coast guard and “maritime militia,” and it directly threatened regional peace and stability. Britain, Australia, Canada and the European Union also criticized Beijing’s action. Beijing claims almost all of the South China Sea, through which trillions of dollars in trade passes annually, and has ignored a 2016 international court ruling that its assertion has no legal basis. The Philippine military and Coast Guard accused the China Coast Guard of breaking international law in blocking and firing a water cannon at the resupply mission, which prevented one of the charter boats from reaching the shoal. Another charter boat successfully delivered its cargo. China said it had taken the “necessary controls” against Philippines boats that had “illegally” entered its waters. Marcos said, “We continue to assert our sovereignty and territorial rights in the face of all of these challenges, consistent with international law and UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea) especially.” He said the Philippines would also continue to communicate with the Chinese government to try and resolve the issue. “Of course, China’s position is that they say, ‘we own this, that’s why we are defending it.’ On our side, we say, ‘no, this is ours, that’s why we are also defending it.’ That’s why there’s a gray area being discussed now,” Marcos said. The incident at Ayungin Shoal is the latest in a series of Chinese provocations in the West Philippine Sea. In recent months, Chinese coast guard vessels have harassed Philippine fishing boats and blocked resupply missions to its military outposts in the area. 444 diplomatic protests The Philippines has repeatedly called on China to respect its sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea. China, however, has refused to recognize the Philippines’ claims to the area. For context, the Department of Foreign Affairs said on Monday the Philippines has so far filed 444 diplomatic protests against China regarding its activities in the West Philippine Sea since 2020. Of this number, this year alone Manila has so far filed 34 diplomatic protests against Beijing. In the same media interview, Marcos said the recent West Philippine Sea incidents are unrelated to former President Rodrigo Duterte’s recent visit to China. Marcos was asked about what Duterte reported to him regarding his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping and why the incidents have recurred. “I don’t think it’s related. I don’t think this is related to his visit,” Marcos said. He said he and Duterte discussed the latter’s conversation with Xi, but that some things that were discussed need to remain confidential. “That is between President Digong and myself,” Marcos said. He said the incidents in the South China Sea involved “operational aspects” of the Philippines’ military, navy, and coast guard, which is why it is “difficult to discuss them in too much detail.” “These are things that are being handled by our military, our navy, our coast guard,” he said. Duterte and Xi met in Beijing on 17 July, shortly after the Philippines marked the seventh anniversary of the arbitral decision that affirmed the nation’s exclusive economic zone in the West Philippine Sea, countering China’s extensive territorial assertions. Chinese media reported that Xi expressed hope that Duterte would maintain a significant position in fostering an amicable collaboration between the Philippines and China. Another report said that Xi urged Duterte to “play an important role in the friendly cooperation between the two countries.” Marcos acknowledged the former president’s visit to China and expressed openness to establishing fresh channels of communication amid ongoing concerns in the South China Sea. The post Phl sends note verbale to China appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Phl summons China ambassador over water cannoning of boats
Manila summoned Beijing's envoy on Monday after the China Coast Guard blocked and water cannoned Philippine vessels in the disputed South China Sea, President Ferdinand Marcos said. The incident happened Saturday as the Philippine Coast Guard escorted charter boats carrying food, water, fuel and other supplies to Filipino military personnel stationed at Second Thomas Shoal in the Spratly Islands. Beijing claims almost all of the South China Sea, through which trillions of dollars in trade passes annually, and has ignored a 2016 international court ruling that its assertion has no legal basis. The Philippine military and coast guard have accused the China Coast Guard of breaking international law by blocking and firing water cannon at the resupply mission, preventing one of the charter boats from reaching the shoal. Another charter boat successfully unloaded its cargo. "Our Secretary of Foreign Affairs summoned Ambassador Huang (Xilian) today and gave him a note verbale including pictures, video about what happened, and we are awaiting their reply," Marcos told reporters. "The position of China, of course, is they say 'this is ours so we are defending it', and we, for our part, are saying 'no, we own it so we are defending it'. So that becomes a grey area that we are discussing." China maintained over the weekend that it had taken "necessary controls" against Philippine boats that "illegally" entered its waters. The US State Department on Sunday condemned the Chinese actions, saying they directly threatened regional peace and stability. Britain, Australia, Canada and the European Union also criticized Beijing's conduct. Second Thomas Shoal is about 200 kilometers (124 miles) from the Philippine island of Palawan, and more than 1,000 kilometers from China's nearest major landmass, Hainan island. China's coast guard and navy vessels routinely block or shadow Philippine ships patrolling the contested waters, Manila says. The Philippines has issued more than 400 diplomatic protests to Beijing since 2020 over its "illegal activities" in the South China Sea, the foreign ministry said. China appeared to be "trying to gauge our commitment to supply our troops" at the shoal, National Security Council spokesman Jonathan Malaya told reporters on Monday. "For the record, we will never abandon Ayungin Shoal," Malaya added, using the Philippine name for Second Thomas Shoal, located in the Spratly Islands. 'David and Goliath' Malaya said Saturday's "David and Goliath" incident showed the Chinese had established what appeared to be a "blockade" of the shoal. "There were only two (Philippine) coast guard vessels and two Philippine supply boats against six large Chinese coast guard vessels and two Chinese militia vessels, and more People's Liberation Army naval vessels at near proximity to the area," he said. Malaya said he believed it was the largest Chinese presence at the shoal "in recent memory". At one point, a China Coast Guard vessel came "within 20 yards (18 meters)" of a Philippine coast guard boat, which he said could have resulted in a collision. The National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea, which includes representatives of various government agencies, condemned the Chinese actions "in the strongest terms". "As a low tide elevation, Ayungin shoal can neither be the subject of a sovereignty claim nor is it capable of appropriation under international law," the task force said in a statement. Second Thomas Shoal was part of the Philippines' exclusive economic zone, and the resupply and upkeep of the BRP Sierra Madre were "legitimate Philippine government activities", it added. The Philippine military deliberately grounded the Sierra Madre on Second Thomas Shoal in the late 1990s, and keeps up a tiny garrison there to maintain a presence in the hotly contested waters. In a statement on Monday, the Chinese coast guard urged Manila to "tow away" the ship and "restore the reef to its original state". Manila and Beijing have a long history of maritime disputes over the South China Sea, but former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte was seen as cozying up to China in the hope of attracting investment. Since succeeding him, however, Marcos has insisted he will not let China trample on his country's maritime rights, seeking to strengthen defense ties with former colonial ruler and longtime ally the United States. The post Phl summons China ambassador over water cannoning of boats appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
U.S. threatens MDT use
The Philippines and the United States condemned the China Coast Guard or CCG on Sunday for firing water cannons and interfering with the legal operations of Philippine vessels in the West Philippine Sea. Armed Forces spokesperson Col. Medel Aguilar confirmed that at least one chartered supply boat being escorted by the Philippine Coast Guard was “blocked and water-cannoned” by a CCG vessel on Saturday, 5 August. The Philippine vessels were en route to Ayungin or Second Thomas Shoal for a routine troop rotation and resupply mission when they were attacked by the CCG, Aguilar said in a statement to journalists. Aguilar characterized the attack as a “wanton disregard of the safety of the people on board and in violation of international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, or UNCLOS, and the 2016 Arbitral Award.” “The Ayungin Shoal is a low tide elevation that is part of the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone and continental shelf, pursuant to the 1982 UNCLOS and as affirmed by the 2016 Arbitral Award,” the Department of Foreign Affairs stressed in a statement. The US State Department immediately issued a warning that China’s provocative actions in the WPS, which overlaps with the South China Sea, or SCS, could make it invoke its Mutual Defense Treaty, or MDT, with the Philippines. Signed in 1951, the MDT states that if either country is attacked by an external party, the other country will come to its defense. The United States also called on China to abide by the 2016 arbitral ruling that found China’s claims in the South China Sea to be illegal. “Such actions by the PRC are inconsistent with international law and are the latest in repeated threats to the status quo in the South China Sea, directly threatening regional peace and stability,” a US State Department statement said. “By impeding necessary provisions from reaching the Filipino service members stationed at Second Thomas Shoal, the PRC has also undertaken unwarranted interference in lawful Philippine maritime operations,” the US pointed out. Heightened tension The incident further heightened tension between the Philippines and China in the West Philippine Sea, notwithstanding the visit of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to Beijing in January. Filipino lawmakers immediately condemned China’s actions (See related story). In a separate statement, the PCG reported that the use of water cannons by the CCG forced the Philippine vessels to change course, preventing them from reaching Ayungin Shoal. In recent months, the CCG has been increasingly aggressive in its patrols of the area, leading to a number of incidents between the two countries. The 2016 arbitral ruling recognized the WPS as part of the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone while invalidating China’s nine-dash line claim of ownership of nearly the whole of the South China Sea. China has rejected the arbitral ruling. “The United States calls upon the PRC to abide by the arbitral ruling as well as to respect the freedom of navigation, a right to which all states are entitled,” the US State Department said. It added that an armed attack on Philippine vessels, aircraft, and armed forces, including those of its coast guard in the WPS, “would invoke US mutual defense commitments under Article IV of the 1951 US-Philippine Mutual Defense Treaty.” In February, the CCG vessels pointed a military-grade laser light at the BRP Malapascua, which caused temporary blindness in some of its Filipino crew. In separate statements, Japan, Australia, Canada and the European Union called on China to stop its harassment of Philippine vessels. Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Koshikawa Kazuhiko decried the incident. “Totally unacceptable, any harassment and actions which infringe on lawful activities of the sea and endanger the navigational safety,” Koshikawa said in a tweet. “Australia is concerned by the latest actions directed against the Philippines, which are dangerous and destabilizing,” Australian Ambassador to the Philippines HK Yu said in another tweet. Yu also called on China to “respect the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea for peace and stability in the South China Sea, which is a vital international waterway.” The Canadian Embassy in the Philippines echoed the same sentiments and said the country “unreservedly condemns the dangerous and provocative actions taken by the Chinese Coast Guard against Philippine vessels.” Likewise, European Union Ambassador to the Philippines Luc Veron expressed concern about the incident. “Very concerned about dangerous action in South China Sea. The EU stands with the Philippines in upholding the rules-based international order,” Veron said. The post U.S. threatens MDT use appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
AFP releases statement on Phl supply boat water cannoned by CCG
Here's the statement of the Armed Forces of the Philippines regarding the issue. AFP Statement on Chartered Supply Boat Blocked and Water Cannoned by CCG The Armed Forces of the Philippines strongly condemns and expresses grave concern over the China Coast Guard’s (CCG’s) excessive and unlawful actions against Philippine vessels near Ayungin Shoal. One of our chartered supply boats was blocked and water cannoned by a CCG vessel yesterday, August 5, while en route to Ayungin Shoal for a routine troop rotation and resupply mission, in wanton disregard of the safety of the people on board and in violation of international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the 2016 Arbitral Award. Because of the CCG’s dangerous maneuvers, the second supply boat was not able to unload the supplies and could not complete the RORE mission. We call on the China Coast Guard to act with prudence and be responsible in their actions to prevent miscalculations and accidents that will endanger people's lives. The post AFP releases statement on Phl supply boat water cannoned by CCG appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Allied nations tell China: Acknowledge arbitral ruling
The Philippines marked the seventh anniversary of its landmark victory against China before the Permanent Court of Arbitration with an outpouring of support from different countries. At least eight nations on Wednesday renewed their support for the 2016 Hague ruling that cemented Manila’s claim to the West Philippine Sea. Diplomats from the United States, Japan, Australia, France, Canada, the United Kingdom, India and the European Union called on China to acknowledge the ruling and stop its “harassment” of claimant states in the South China Sea. On this day, seven years ago, the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, the Netherlands favored the Philippines’ claim to the West Philippine Sea, rejecting China’s nine-dash line claim. “We continue to urge Beijing to comport its maritime claims with international law as reflected in the 1982 Law of the Sea Convention; to cease its routine harassment of claimant state vessels lawfully operating in their respective exclusive economic zones; [and to] halt its disruption of states’ sovereign right to explore, exploit, conserve, and manage their natural resources,” State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said in a statement. Miller called on Beijing to end its “interference” with the freedom of navigation and the overflight of states lawfully operating in the region. “We will continue working with allies and partners to advance a free and open Indo-Pacific, one that is at peace and grounded in respect for international law,” he said. Last week, Chinese Coast Guard vessels blocked and carried out “dangerous maneuvers” against Philippine Coast Guard ships in the Ayungin Shoal. Beijing, however, countered Manila’s claim, saying the Chinese maneuvers were “professional and restrained.” It also insisted on its territorial claim over Ayungin Shoal, which it calls Ren’ai Reef, saying the Philippines “intruded” into its waters. Ayungin Shoal is located 105 nautical miles west of Palawan and is part of the exclusive economic zone and continental shelf of the Philippines. ‘Final, legally binding’ Japan also joined the growing pressure on China to recognize the 2016 arbitral ruling which it described as “final and legally binding.” “As the tribunal’s award is final and legally binding on the parties to the dispute under the provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, the parties to this case, the Philippines and China, are required to comply with the award,” Japanese Foreign Minister Hayashi Yoshima said in a statement. “The claim by China that it will not accept the award is against the principle of the peaceful settlement of disputes in accordance with international law, in particular UNCLOS, and undermines the rule of law as a fundamental value of the international community,” he added. According to Hayashi, Tokyo “strongly hopes” that the parties’ compliance with the award will “lead to the peaceful settlement of disputes in the South China Sea.” “Upholding and reinforcing the free and open international order based on the rule of law will be to the benefit of all countries, large and small,” he said. He noted that Japan renewed its objection to China’s maritime claims in the South China Sea, saying that these were “inconsistent” with UNCLOS. He also said that it remained “seriously concerned” about the current situation in the area. “Japan will continue working in coordination with ASEAN and other countries concerned to maintain and strengthen the free and open international order based on the rule of law.” ‘Strongly opposes’ Likewise, the European Union “strongly opposes” any “unilateral attempts” to change the peacefully established status of territories by “force or coercion” anywhere in the world, be it in Eastern Europe or the South China Sea. In a forum organized by the international think tank Stratbase ADRI Institute, EU Ambassador to the Philippines Luc Veron reiterated that the Permanent Court of Arbitration laid down very clearly that there is “no legal basis” for China’s expansive maritime claims in the South China Sea. “We are one with the Philippines and other international partners in stressing the importance of upholding international law, including UNCLOS and the peaceful settlement of disputes as the basis for peace and stability in this part of the world, as elsewhere,” Veron said in his speech. “Respect for the rules-based international order is at the core of the EU’s approach towards cooperation in the Indo-Pacific,” he added. According to the envoy, the EU is “determined to work with the Philippines and other partners in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific and, more broadly, a free and open international order” based on the rule of law.” “The EU also stands ready to facilitate activities which help build confidence, and prevent and defuse tensions,” he said. Australian Ambassador to the Philippines HK Yu echoed the same sentiments, stressing that Canberra wants to see a “peaceful South China Sea where international law is respected and adhered to, and waterways are open for trade.” Yu also stressed that maritime claims inconsistent with UNCLOS are causing tensions in the Indo-Pacific region. “Australia is deeply concerned when countries pursue claims or engage in activities that are inconsistent with international law where they undertake activities that are provocative and destabilizing or where they don’t respect the rights and freedoms of others or when they advance their claims by intimidation and coercion,” she said. “UNCLOS provides the comprehensive legal framework for all activities in the oceans and seas and it provides the foundation for peace and security and stability in the maritime domain,” she said. She continued: “Adherence to UNCLOS is vitally important for the region and maritime claims within the South China Sea or elsewhere must be consistent with it.” Outgoing French Ambassador Michèle Boccoz also supports Manila’s position in the West Philippine Sea, saying that Paris is “concerned” by the recent development in the area. “There is indeed no legal basis for China’s expansive maritime claims in the South China Sea. This position was clearly stated in April during the G7 Foreign Ministers’ communiqué,” Boccoz said. “Also last week, together with the Philippines and other like-minded countries, France expressed its concern with regard to the recent developments involving Chinese vessels in the South China Sea,” she added. She also noted that France welcomes the growing support for the 2016 arbitral award while reaffirming its commitment to the Philippines. “In the current context of rising tensions, the relevance of the 2016 Award is gaining stronger momentum, as reflected by the wider support of like-minded nations,” she said. “We welcome this trend and we will continue to show our support. We will continue to walk the talk,” she added. Indian Ambassador to the Philippines Shambhu Kumaran likewise expressed New Delhi’s support for the arbitral award. “Let me take a few minutes to also say that today’s discussion on the arbitral award is a reflection of the broader approach that both India and Asean have taken and our bilateral relations with the Philippines as well,” Kumaran said. “And accordingly, I think in the joint statement, we did recognize the need for adherence to international law and called for the arbitral award to be respected in that context,” he added. The post Allied nations tell China: Acknowledge arbitral ruling appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»