The Philippine government has accused Chinese coast guard ships and a naval helicopter of harassing Philippine fisheries vessels. These vessels were conducting a scientific survey in a contested area of the South China Sea.
This incident led to the cancellation of the operation, according to the Philippine Coast Guard on Saturday.
Harassment near Sandy Cay
The harassment took place on Friday near Sandy Cay, a group of three uninhabited sandbars between a Chinese-occupied artificial island and a Philippine-controlled island in the Spratlys. The Chinese coast guard and navy’s actions made it difficult for the vessels to continue their work.
The Chinese ships approached two of the larger Philippine boats. The vessels had to manoeuvre to avoid a collision. In addition, a Chinese navy helicopter flew low over two smaller boats, forcing the survey to be called off.
Philippine coast guard releases videos
The Philippine Coast Guard has released videos showing the close proximity of the Chinese coast guard ship to a Philippine vessel. Another video captures a Chinese military helicopter hovering near a Philippine ship, which was flying the Philippine flag.
China has not yet responded to the accusations. However, it has long asserted sovereignty over most of the South China Sea. It has repeatedly accused rival claimant nations, such as the Philippines, Vietnam, and Malaysia, of encroaching on its territory.
China claims its territorial boundaries using a ‘nine-dash line’ on maps. The exact coordinates of the line remain undisclosed.
Tensions in the South China Sea: Impact on international relations
The recent flare-up of territorial disputes in this crucial waterway might increase pressure on the United States. The U.S. under President Joe Biden has focused on strengthening alliances to counter China’s growing presence in disputed waters.
In a recent telephone call, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and his Philippine counterpart, Enrique Manalo, discussed mutual concerns, especially China’s actions in the South China Sea. According to State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce, Rubio said China’s behaviour undermines regional peace and contradicts international law. He reiterated the U.S. commitment to the Philippines under the Mutual Defence Treaty.
Biden’s administration has repeatedly warned China that the U.S. is obligated to defend the Philippines if its forces, ships, or aircraft come under attack in the South China Sea.
Despite these warnings, China maintains that the dispute is an internal issue and has advised the U.S. to refrain from involvement.
