MANILA. A senior Philippine navy official condemned the actions of China’s coast guard personnel, describing them as a “band of barbarians” after a Philippine resupply mission to a contested shoal in the South China Sea ended in injuries and vessel damage.
The incident, which occurred earlier this week, resulted in a Philippine sailor sustaining serious injuries due to what the Philippine military termed “intentional high-speed ramming” by the Chinese Coast Guard. The aggressive maneuver was aimed at disrupting a resupply mission to troops stationed on the Second Thomas Shoal.
According to Philippine military officials, the Chinese Coast Guard personnel, reportedly armed with knives and spears, looted firearms and “deliberately punctured” the boats involved in the mission. “We were unprepared for that kind of response,” Philippine navy spokesperson Roy Trinidad said in a phone interview on Thursday. “We stuck with the rules of engagement. They were not allowed to use guns except for self-defense.”
Trinidad further criticized China’s “illegal, aggressive and deceptive” actions, warning that such behavior heightens the risk of miscalculation at sea. “Our approach is above board. But what they were doing is piracy…barbaric. I call them a band of barbarians. They have no right to wear the uniform. Coast guardsmen are supposed to be responsible for the safety of life at sea, but their actions endanger life at sea,” he remarked to reporters.
In contrast, China’s foreign ministry disputed the Philippines’ account. A spokesperson stated on Thursday that the actions taken by the Chinese Coast Guard were lawful and professional. “The Philippine ships not only carried building materials but also smuggled weapons and equipment and deliberately rammed Chinese ships,” said ministry spokesperson Lin Jian. “Non-personnel have also splashed water and thrown objects at Chinese law enforcement officers, aggravating the tense situation at sea and seriously threatening the safety of Chinese personnel and vessels.”
Tensions between the Philippines and China have escalated over the past year, with Beijing pressing its claims over most of the South China Sea, an area where Manila has maintained its resupply missions despite China’s objections. China considers these missions illegal intrusions and has repeatedly attempted to repel Philippine vessels.
The international community has taken note of the rising tensions. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken held a call with Philippine Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo on Wednesday to discuss China’s actions in the South China Sea, actions that have drawn condemnation from Washington, Britain, and Canada.
“This incident does not speak well of a country that wants to be a global power,” Trinidad added, emphasizing the dangerous precedent set by the Chinese Coast Guard’s aggressive tactics.
As the situation develops, the risk of further confrontations looms large, with potential implications for regional stability and international maritime law.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
