4-7-2024 (MANILA) The Philippines has taken a bold step in its ongoing maritime dispute with China, demanding a substantial sum of 60 million pesos (approximately US$1 million) in damages following a recent confrontation in the contested waters of the South China Sea. The announcement, made on Thursday by the Philippines’ military chief, Romeo Brawner, marks a significant escalation in the diplomatic tensions between the two nations.
The incident in question occurred on 17 June, when Chinese coastguard vessels allegedly punctured Philippine boats and seized firearms during a clash in the disputed territory. The confrontation resulted in a Filipino sailor losing a finger, adding a human cost to the already fraught situation.
During a press briefing in Manila, Brawner clarified that the compensation being sought currently covers only property damage and does not yet account for the injury sustained by the sailor. “I demanded the return of seven firearms,” Brawner stated, adding that the military is exploring the possibility of charging China for the cost of reconstructing the injured sailor’s finger.
This latest development comes in the wake of ongoing diplomatic efforts to ease tensions in the region. Earlier this week, Chinese and Philippine diplomats met in Manila for a regular bilateral meeting on the South China Sea. Despite agreeing to de-escalate tensions, both sides remained firm on their respective territorial claims.
The meeting, described as “frank and constructive” by the Philippines’ Department of Foreign Affairs, saw Chinese Vice-Foreign Minister Chen Xiaodong and Philippine Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro acknowledging the need to restore trust between the two nations. However, the statement also noted that “significant differences” with Beijing persist.
Recent months have seen a series of clashes between Philippine and Chinese vessels, despite a January agreement aimed at easing conflict. These incidents have cast doubt on the effectiveness of bilateral mechanisms to defuse tensions in one of the region’s most contentious flashpoints.
Philippines navy spokesperson Roy Vincent Trinidad described the 17 June confrontation as the “most aggressive” action by Chinese forces in recent history, underscoring the gravity of the situation.
The Philippines’ stance has hardened under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, who has strengthened ties with the United States and Japan in response to China’s sweeping territorial claims. Marcos recently stated that Manila needs to do more than simply filing diplomatic protests against China in light of the recent clash.
