Chinese Coast Guard Rammed philippine Vessel in South China Sea, Causing Damage
MANILA, Philippines – A Chinese coast guard ship rammed a Philippine fisheries vessel near a disputed island in the South China Sea on Sunday, causing minor structural damage, Philippine officials said. The incident, which involved the Philippine vessel BRP Datu Pagbuaya, occurred near Sandy Cay, an area China calls Tiexian Reef.
The Chinese coast guard ship, identified by bow number 21559, initially fired a water cannon directly at the Datu Pagbuaya, striking the vessel and its two Philippine flags. Three minutes later, the Chinese ship rammed the stern of the Philippine vessel. No injuries to the crew were reported.
“Despite these bullying tactics and aggressive actions, the Philippine coast guard and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources remain resolute,” said Commodore Jay Tarriela of the Philippine Coast Guard.”We will not be intimidated or driven away.” He affirmed that Manila would not “surrender a square inch of our territory to any foreign power.”
According to a statement from Chinese coast guard spokesperson Liu Dejun, the Philippine vessels illegally entered waters near Tiexian Reef “without the permission of the Chinese government.” Liu claimed one of the Philippine vessels dangerously approached the Chinese Coast Guard vessel, causing a scrape, and placed the responsibility for the incident entirely on the Philippine side, accusing them of undermining peace and stability in the South China Sea. China “sternly warned” the Philippines to ”immediately stop infringement and harassment.”
The incident took place near Thitu Island, the largest of nine islands, islets, and reefs inhabited by Philippine forces in the Spratly archipelago, a region fiercely contested in the South China Sea. China has transformed seven barren reefs in the area into island bases, equipped wiht missile systems and including runways on three of the artificial islands. Subi Reef, which has a runway, lies just over 20 kilometers (12 miles) from Thitu.
Philippine coast guard commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan stated, “The harassment we faced today only strengthens our resolve,” adding that the coast guard remains committed to President Ferdinand Marcos’s pledge to defend Philippine territory.