1-7-2024 (MANILA) Amidst the simmering tensions in the South China Sea, an unexpected instance of cooperation unfolded on Saturday (Jun 29) when China aided the Philippines in rescuing a stricken Philippine fishing boat near the disputed Scarborough Shoal. This humanitarian gesture marks a rare moment of collaboration between the two nations embroiled in a territorial dispute over the strategic waterway.
The incident began when a Philippine fishing vessel encountered an engine explosion in the waters off Scarborough Shoal, known as Bajo de Masinloc in the Philippines. Two of the eight crew members sustained injuries, prompting the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) to swiftly deploy the BRP Sindangan, a patrol vessel in the vicinity, to provide medical assistance.
However, the rescue operation encountered unexpected obstacles. According to PCG spokesperson CG Rear Admiral Armando Balilo, their vessel received “radio challenges” and experienced “shadowing and initial blocking” by the China Coast Guard (CCG) and the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy ships in the area.
Tensions escalated momentarily, but a diplomatic resolution prevailed when the Chinese vessels backed off after being informed of the humanitarian nature of the mission. In a remarkable display of cooperation, the CCG even launched two inflatable boats and offered to assist the eight fishermen aboard the stricken vessel.
The PCG nurses assessed two crew members with second-degree burns and provided first aid, while all eight were given food and drinking water. “In times of emergencies, the safety of life should always be our priority,” Balilo emphasized. “The Philippine Coast Guard and the China Coast Guard communicated in a diplomatic manner and set aside issues on sovereignty, in the spirit of humanitarianism.”
This incident stands in stark contrast to a recent confrontation just two weeks prior, where Chinese coast guard sailors brandished weapons in a clash with Philippine naval vessels near the disputed Second Thomas Shoal. The clash, which left a Filipino sailor with a lost thumb, escalated tensions in the region and highlighted the ongoing territorial disputes between the two nations.
Despite the recent hostilities, the rescue operation on Saturday exemplified the potential for cooperation and diplomacy, even in the midst of complex geopolitical tensions. As Balilo stated, “We will not elevate tension, but we will remain firm on our mission to ensure the safety of lives at sea.”
The incident was also covered by Chinese media, with outlets like the Global Times and China Daily reporting on the rescue operation, albeit without mentioning the initial blocking or shadowing by Chinese vessels. These contrasting narratives underscore the delicate nature of the situation and the importance of maintaining open communication channels between the two nations.
