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Third collision between the Chinese and Filipino Coast Guard
Author:Mariusz Dasiewicz
Two days ago there was another third, already in the last two weeks, a collision between Chinese and Filipino coastguard units, which once again exacerbated tensions in the South China Sea region. A Chinese coast guard boat with a side number took part in this clash 5205 and the Philippine BRP unit Teresa Magbanua.
Although there were no casualties, the Philippines published photographs showing damage to their boat, including a serious hole and several dents, which they claim are the result of the deliberate action of the Chinese side.
The conflict between China and the Philippines focuses on Sabina Shoal, a disputed coral reef area in the Spratly archipelago, located approximately 85 miles west of the Filipino province of Palawan. This area, in accordance with international law, belongs to the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone (WSE), but China also claims rights to it, ignoring international declarations.
Since April 2024, the Philippines has maintained a permanent presence on Sabina Shoal, located east of the Second Lavica of Thomas, which was an earlier inflamed point. The Philippines is accusing China of plans to build a facility in this area, which is faced with Beijing's fierce opposition. The Chinese claim that the Philippines do not have the right to be on Sabina Shoal and demand their immediate withdrawal.
The incident, which occurred two days ago, began when the Philippine BRP boat Teresa Magbanua, the largest unit in the fleet of the Philippine Coast Guard, began maneuvering in the disputed area. Chinese Coast Guard She immediately reacted, deploying her units around a Filipino boat, attempting to block his movements. Shortly thereafter, a Chinese unit began ramming a Filipino boat, resulting in several collisions that further exacerbated tensions in the region.
The Chinese say they warned the BRP several times Teresa Magbanua, before the collision occurred, accusing the Filipino boat of unprofessional and dangerous maneuvers. From their perspective, Teresa Magbanua She deliberately led to a collision with the Chinese unit 5205.
However, the Philippines presents a different picture of the situation, publishing recordings that they believe prove that the Chinese were the aggressors. The Filipino authorities say that the Chinese unit not only approached their boat, but also made a number of dangerous maneuvers that led to several collisions. The Philippines estimates that three or four collisions occurred during this clash before both sides withdrew.
The incident occurred at noon local time, and after it both sides issued statements full of mutual accusations. The U.S. Ambassador responded quickly, who expressed support for the Philippines and condemned the actions of the Chinese Coast Guard.
This was already the third confrontation in August, during which the Philippines accused China of trying their unit. Filipino boats, which conducted humanitarian missions in Sabina Shoal region, were targets of Chinese attacks, including the use of water cannons. Despite Chinese pressure, the Philippines declared that they did not intend to withdraw their BRP unit Teresa Magbanua from the region.
Należy również dodać, że na tle napięć filipińsko-chińskich, Japonia również protestowała przeciwko chińskim wtargnięciom na jej wody terytorialne i przestrzeń powietrzną, co pokazuje, że sytuacja w regionie Pacyfiku jest coraz bardziej złożona.
Written by Mariusz Dasiewicz
