The Chinese Coast Guard’s water cannon hit the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) ship that was going to Ayungin Shoal to deliver supplies to the BRP Sierra Madre, this Saturday.
According to PCG spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, CG Commodore Jay Tarriela, the PCG escorted ships that will deliver food, water, fuel and other supplies for the military troops based in BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal.
It is said that they were intercepted and targeted with water cannon by CCG vessels.
The PCG, on the other hand, condemned the said water cannon bombardment and dangerous maneuvers by the CCG ship.
Tarriela said that aside from the threat to the safety of the PCG crew and supply boats, the action of the CCG ship also violated several international maritime laws.
These include the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the 1972 Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS), and the 2016 Arbitral Award.
“The PCG calls on the China Coast Guard to restrain its forces, respect the sovereign rights of the Philippines in its exclusive economic zone and continental shelf, refrain from hampering freedom of navigation, and take appropriate actions against the individuals involved in this unlawful incident, Tarriela said.
He also called on the CCG, which is an organization with responsibility and obligation under UNCLOS, COLREGs, and other international maritime safety and security instruments, to stop any illegal activities within the maritime zone of the Philippines.
Chinese coast guard hits PH boat with water cannon
It was said that they would continue to disclose China’s actions in the West Philippine Sea, an effective way to make the world aware of its illegal actions and territorial aggression.
Meanwhile, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) condemned the Chinese Coast Guard’s interception of their chartered supply boat.
In a statement by AFP, apart from the illegal water cannon, the China Coast Guard’s action on their chartered supply boat became violent.
According to AFP, the CCG also did not respect the law and navigation rights.
This violence cannot be ignored, so the government must take steps.
Because of this, the second AFP boat that will deliver supplies as part of the rotation and resupply (RoRe) mission has not yet arrived.
The AFP hopes that the CCG and the Central Military Commission will hold those responsible for the incident accountable.
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