China deploys ‘excessive force’ of 40 ships vs. PCG resupply mission

PH FLAG RAISED IN WPS. The ceremonial flag-raising of the Philippine flag aboard BRP Teresa Magbanua at Sabina Shoal in the West Philippine Sea during the 126th Independence Day on Wednesday (June 12, 2024). Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson Rear Admiral Armando Balilo said the ceremony was the first-ever flag-raising held by the country at Sabina Shoal. (Photo: Philippine Coast Guard/Facebook)

By Raymond Carl Dela Cruz, Priam Nepomuceno, Philippine News Agency

MANILA – The China Coast Guard (CCG) deployed a force of 40 ships in Escoda Shoal in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) and blocked two Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vessels on a resupply mission Monday.

In a statement Tuesday, PCG spokesperson for the WPS Commodore Jay Tarriela said the two PCG vessels – BRP Cabra and BRP Cape Engaño– were on a humanitarian mission to deliver food and supplies to the BRP Teresa Magbanua that was on an extended patrol in Escoda Shoal.

“Unfortunately, during this mission, the People’s Republic of China deployed an excessive force of 40 vessels including six CCG vessels, and three People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) warships, in an attempt to obstruct our lawful humanitarian operation,” Tarriela said.

In addition to the CCG and PLAN vessels, there were 31 Chinese maritime militia vessels in the waters of Escoda Shoal.

“Such actions resulted in our two 44-meter Multi-Role Response Vessels (MRRVs) being unable to safely deliver essential supplies, including a special ice cream treat from the Commandant in honor of National Heroes’ Day,” Tarriela said.

He called on the CCG to “abide with the international law and stop deploying maritime forces that could undermine mutual respect, a universally recognized foundation for responsible and friendly relations among Coast Guards.”

“The PCG remains steadfast in our commitment to uphold national interests and ensure the safety and security of our waters,” he said.

Biggest peace disruptor

Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., meanwhile, said China’s attempt to break up the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) will not succeed as leaders of the region are well aware of its efforts.

“(And) yet what is China trying to do, trying to break us apart and that fortunately will not happen because I believed firmly that our leaders realize that in this region, China although without saying it, and I’ll say it for you, is the biggest disruptor of international peace in the ASEAN region,” Teodoro said in his speech at the 35th International Military Law and Operations Conference (MILOPS 24) at The Manila Hotel on Tuesday.

Teodoro also said Beijing should not be allowed the define what ASEAN centrality means.

“We should get together in ASEAN and protect each other’s sovereign rights and sovereign while settling our internal disputes between and amongst ourselves within the context of ASEAN,” the defense chief stressed.

He also said China is trying to create a new world order.

“This new world order will mean it will be China-led and does this have any trust and credibility worldwide when you have them appropriating all of the South China Sea without any basis whatsoever, even their historical basis is questionable,” he added.