US condemns China’s latest hostility vs. PH vessels in WPS

HARASSMENT. A CCG vessel bombards BRP Datu Pagbuaya with water cannon while the latter was on routine maritime patrol in the vicinity of Bajo de Masinloc on Wednesday (Dec. 4, 2024) morning. The US government condemned China’s latest hostility, labelling the act as “unlawful”. (Photo: @jaytaryela/X)

By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora, Wilnard Bacelonia, Philippine News Agency

MANILA – The US government on Wednesday condemned China’s latest harassment of Philippine vessels at Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal), labelling the act as “unlawful”.

“The PRC’s (People’s Republic of China) unlawful use of water cannons and dangerous maneuvers disrupted a Philippine maritime operation on December 4, putting lives at risk,” US Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson posted on X.

“We condemn these actions and stand with our likeminded friends, partners, allies in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific.”

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said it faced fresh Chinese hostility during a routine maritime patrol to support Filipinos fishing in the vicinity of Bajo de Masinloc on Wednesday morning.

At around 6:30 a.m., PCG spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Commodore Jay Tarriela said a Chinese Coast Guard vessel fired a water cannon at the BRP Datu Pagbuaya, aiming directly at the vessel’s navigational antennas while it was located 16 nautical miles south of Bajo de Masinloc.

It also “intentionally sideswiped” the same ship on its starboard side and shortly thereafter, at 6:55 a.m., it launched its second water cannon attack.

PCG vessels, including the BRP Teresa Magbanua, likewise faced blocking, shadowing, and dangerous maneuvers from a People’s Liberation Army Navy vessel and another Chinese Coast Guard ship while BRP Cabra was subjected to reckless maneuvers by a different CCG vessel.

Beijing lays sovereignty claims over the feature, which is located well within the Philippines’ 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone.

The feature is at least 472 nautical miles away from the nearest coast of China.

Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada and Senator Joseph Victor Ejercito also condemned the CCG’s aggressive actions.

Estrada described the incident as a “blatant violation of international law” and an assault on the nation’s sovereignty.

He called for the matter to be elevated to an international body and urged the global community to denounce China’s provocations.

“China should cease these hostile actions and engage in constructive dialogue,” Estrada said.

Ejercito labeled the attack as “brazen bullying” and a direct challenge to the Philippines’ rights in the West Philippine Sea.

He criticized the continued disregard for Filipino fishermen’s livelihoods and the dignity of the nation.

He underscored the urgency of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Modernization Program to ensure territorial integrity.

“We need a minimum credible defense posture to put an end to these abuses,” Ejercito said.