Chinese Ships Harass Philippine Vessels in West Philippine Sea

(UPDATE) Tensions in the West Philippine Sea rise once more as China sends coast guard and militia ships to challenge Philippine ships on a resupply mission to one of its islands within the exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

📷AFP TV (For illustration purposes only)

According to Ray Powell, a national security expert based in the United States, at least four China Coast Guard (CCG) ships and 32 militia vessels were dispatched from Mischief Reef, an island within the Philippines' EEZ, on Friday. These Chinese vessels had been stationed there since May of this year.

According to AIS data, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) ship BRP Cabra was seen escorting smaller vessels en way to a resupply mission at Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal, where several Navy troops were present.

However, the presence of Chinese vessels raised concerns. Powell observed a "huge reaction" to the appearance of a single 44-meter PCG warship escorting some wooden boats.

CCG 5402 and four militia vessels "interdicted" the Philippine vessels as they approached Ayungin Shoal from the east. According to Powell's study, two other CCG vessels, 4203 and 5204, went "AIS-dark" but were presumably in the area.

Powell also brought up China's militia ship, Qiong Sansha Yu 00402, which appeared to be crossing the bow of the BRP Malabrigo. This perilous action, known as bow-crossing, is used to criticize the activity of other countries' ships in areas claimed by China and to send a message of willingness to escalate hostilities in support of its rights.

According to Gaute Friis, a defense innovation scholar, China has been deploying bow-crossing as part of its "gray zone" tactics, which are designed to threaten and scare other nations' ships in contested waters.

Powell also emphasized China's continued construction of an armada based near Mischief Reef, with an increasing number of coast guard and paramilitary vessels present since May.

The event has yet to be confirmed or responded to by Philippine authorities, but it is not the first time China has employed its coast guard and marine force to intimidate Philippine vessels in the West Philippine Sea.

On June 30, Chinese ships attempted to prevent two PCG vessels from entering Ayungin Shoal. Despite the difficulties, the Philippine resupply operation to Ayungin Shoal was conducted successfully. As both countries push their claims in the contested waters, the situation remains tense.

✎_____________________ 

Sources/Credits: Chinese ships harass PH vessels in WPS (msn.com)