27-8-2024 (MANILA) The Philippines has issued a stern rebuke to Beijing over a series of incidents in the South China Sea, accusing China of “provocative actions that destabilise regional peace”. The escalating tensions have raised concerns about the potential for a broader conflict in the contested waters, as both nations assert their territorial claims.
The most recent confrontation occurred on Monday when, according to Manila, a flotilla of 40 Chinese vessels, including six coastguard craft and three navy ships, obstructed two Philippine coastguard patrol boats. The Philippine vessels were attempting to complete what officials described as a “lawful humanitarian operation” to deliver supplies to a coastguard ship on patrol at Sabina Shoal.
Coastguard spokesman Jay Tarriela reported that China’s “excessive use of force” thwarted the routine mission, which included delivering an ice cream treat to celebrate National Heroes Day. This incident marked the third such confrontation in just five days, underscoring the rapidly deteriorating situation in the region.
On Sunday, Philippine officials detailed an alarming encounter where at least eight Chinese coastguard ships reportedly swarmed and blockaded a Philippine fisheries enforcement vessel, the BRP Datu Sanday. The incident occurred as the vessel was sailing from Half Moon Shoal to Sabina Shoal to provide provisions to Filipino fishermen. In a dramatic escalation, the Chinese ships allegedly employed water cannons against the small patrol boat, disabling its engines, and even rammed it – all while journalists on board captured the aggression on video.
The National Task Force on the West Philippine Sea swiftly condemned the Chinese actions as “unprofessional, aggressive and illegal”. The task force categorically rejected Beijing’s claims that Filipino personnel had fallen into the sea and been rescued by the Chinese coastguard, labelling such assertions as “completely unfounded” and “misinformation”.
“The Philippines has never provoked the People’s Republic of China, which in turn has relied on deliberate and intentional harassment and intimidation,” the task force stated, highlighting the asymmetrical nature of the conflict.
The international community has rallied behind the Philippines, with several ambassadors expressing their condemnation on social media. US Ambassador MaryKay Carlson affirmed Washington’s support, stating, “The US stands firmly with the Philippines in condemning the PRC for launching flares at Philippine aircraft operating legally near Scarborough and Subi Reefs”. The European Union’s ambassador to the Philippines, Luc Veron, described the “dangerous manoeuvres” of the Chinese ships as “disturbing”, while Japan’s envoy in Manila voiced opposition to actions that increase tensions and endanger lives.
These recent clashes follow reports of Chinese-occupied Subi Reef firing flares at a Philippine government aircraft on 19 August. The Philippine task force reported that a Chinese fighter jet deployed flares multiple times at the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources plane, coming as close as 15 metres in a “dangerously close” manoeuvre.
Experts and observers have offered insights into China’s underlying motives. Antonio Carpio, a former supreme court associate justice and maritime rights advocate, told This Week in Asia that Beijing’s actions were part of a concerted effort to enforce its sweeping territorial claims, demarcated by the controversial “10-dash line” encompassing most of the South China Sea.
