On Tuesday, tensions escalated in the South China Sea when Beijing intervened in Manila’s humanitarian efforts.
Water cannons were used against Philippine vessels by Beijing’s naval force, led by four China Coast Guard vessels. During the early morning standoff, eight shots were fired at the water cannons, as reported by a representative from the Philippine Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR).
The BRP Datu Bankaw, a BFAR vessel, was hit four times directly. Two incidents resulting from the tensions caused damage to the vessel’s railings.
Furthermore, the agency reported that China’s actions led to damage to some of the ship’s equipment.
At dawn, BFAR sailors noticed a Chinese naval presence approximately 35 nautical miles (65 km) away from Scarborough Shoal. The morning was marked by a back-and-forth between Beijing and Manila, with the former persistently harassing the BRP Datu Bankaw.
In addition to using water cannons, Beijing engaged in frequent radio challenges with Manila, emphasizing the two countries’ positions in the exclusive economic zone. Both Mandarin and English were used during the Chinese communications.
Despite the challenges, the BRP Datu Bankaw, on a joint maritime patrol and humanitarian mission to deliver food and fuel supplies to Filipino fishermen at Scarborough Shoal, continues its journey.
Last September, the China Coast Guard constructed a 380-meter floating barrier near the shoal. According to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), this barrier “blocks the entire entrance to the shoal, effectively limiting access to the area.”
In a statement on Tuesday, the Philippine Coast Guard affirmed that “both PCG and BFAR vessels held their ground and continued their maritime patrol despite the harassment and provocative actions of the [China] Coast Guard.”
The Philippine Coast Guard also declared their unwavering commitment to carrying out their lawful operations to assist Filipino fishermen and ensure their safety.
The BFAR vessel was being trailed by a China Coast Guard ship and a maritime militia ship at approximately 2:45 p.m., amidst the ongoing Balikatan military drills between the US and Philippine troops. Notably, there are no navy ships present in the mission area.
