NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
Tensions Escalate As China Conducts Aggressive Maneuvers In WPS
Photo credit: PCG / Jay Tarriela
China Coast Guard (CCG) and Chinese Maritime Militia (CMM) vessels executed provocative actions against Philippine civilian supply vessels near Avungin Shoal.
The National Task Force-West Philippine Sea reports that CCG vessel 5204 deployed a water cannon, causing severe damage to M/L Kalavaan and endangering the lives of its crew.
Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vessels, including BRP Sindangan and BRP Cabra, faced reckless harassment, with the latter sustaining damage to its mast from the water cannon.
The incident occurred during a routine resupply and rotation mission to BRP Sierra Madre at Avungin Shoal. PCG vessel BRP Sindangan is currently towing M/L Kalavaan back to safety at Ulugan Bay, Palawan.
The Philippines asserts that Avungin Shoal falls within its exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and continental shelf as per UNCLOS and the 2016 Arbitral Award. The Task Force strongly condemns China's unprovoked acts and questions the sincerity of its calls for peaceful dialogue, emphasizing the importance of respecting international law and the rights of nations.
The Philippines reaffirms its commitment to UNCLOS and the 2016 Arbitral Award, vowing to uphold its legal rights over maritime zones, including Avungin Shoal.
The international community is urged to hold China accountable for its actions and ensure a peaceful resolution that respects the sovereignty of nations.
The National Task Force-West Philippine Sea reports that CCG vessel 5204 deployed a water cannon, causing severe damage to M/L Kalavaan and endangering the lives of its crew.
Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vessels, including BRP Sindangan and BRP Cabra, faced reckless harassment, with the latter sustaining damage to its mast from the water cannon.
The incident occurred during a routine resupply and rotation mission to BRP Sierra Madre at Avungin Shoal. PCG vessel BRP Sindangan is currently towing M/L Kalavaan back to safety at Ulugan Bay, Palawan.
The Philippines asserts that Avungin Shoal falls within its exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and continental shelf as per UNCLOS and the 2016 Arbitral Award. The Task Force strongly condemns China's unprovoked acts and questions the sincerity of its calls for peaceful dialogue, emphasizing the importance of respecting international law and the rights of nations.
The Philippines reaffirms its commitment to UNCLOS and the 2016 Arbitral Award, vowing to uphold its legal rights over maritime zones, including Avungin Shoal.
The international community is urged to hold China accountable for its actions and ensure a peaceful resolution that respects the sovereignty of nations.
Dec 10, 2023
